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Editor aims to raise £5,000 to say thank you for husband’s heart op

Bev ThomasA weekly newspaper editor has pledged to raise £5,000 to thank a hospital whose staff performed a heart operation on her husband.

Bev Thomas, left, managing editor at the Cambrian News, is aiming to raise the cash for Bronglais Hospital’s cardiac unit, where he husband Keith underwent open heart surgery last year.

Keith remains under the care of Dr Donogh McKeogh at the Aberystwyth hospital, and Bev’s father, David James was also helped by Dr McKeogh when he needed a triple bypass over a decade ago.

Bev is hosting a series of fundraising events across 2017 to raise the cash.

She said: “I wanted to set myself a fundraising challenge to say thank you to Dr McKeogh and his team for the excellent care they have taken of my husband and my father.

“Keith’s heart operation in January last year was a tricky one but the treatment he received in Morriston Hospital [in Swansea] and the aftercare at Bronglais has been exceptional. We should be proud to have such health services in a rural area like ours.

“I have become aware from accompanying Keith on hospital appointments of the dedication and long hours that Dr McKeogh puts in. This fundraising pledge is my small way of saying thank you.

“I will be seeking suggestions from Dr McKeogh on what I can purchase for the unit with the money I raise during 2017.”