A journalism student who was left in a coma for four weeks with an open ribcage has shared his delight at being able to resume his studies.

Mature student Kevin Brockbank, 64, had to take time off from his course at the University of Central Lancashire to receive a heart transplant.

Kevin, pictured, has now told Blog Preston of his relief at being able to get back into the classroom as he aspires to start a new career in journalism.

He previously had a 40-year career as a service engineer for printing presses, before being made redundant in 2013.

Speaking to Blog Preston, Kevin said: “I started at UCLan in 2020 but then in January 2021, I was kept in hospital awaiting a heart transplant because my health was deteriorating.

“The Covid pandemic actually made studying easier because everything was done online.

“I ended up in hospital for nearly nine months and conducted many interviews from my hospital bed. I even presented a piece to camera in my pyjamas.”

He added: “I had to learn to walk again because of muscle wastage and had a tracheotomy so my recovery took longer than expected.

“Knowing I had university to come back to kept me going and gave me a focus.

“I wanted to return in September 2021 but was advised not to. Instead, I began my second year in September and am really enjoying being back.”