A GOVERNMENT minister has taken up an East Lancashire man's campaign to protect the hospital where he underwent a life-saving heart transplant from closure.

Mike Kenlock, from Roman Road, Darwen, is determined that the Wythenshawe Hospital should not close.

In 1993 it saved his life with a transplant operation after he suffered four heart attacks in quick succession.

But now health ministers are reviewing the provision of such surgery and intend to cut the number of centres from six to four.

With two in London and one in Newcastle guaranteed, Wythenshawe must beat similar centres in Birmingham and Sheffield for the cash.

Mr Kenlock, 55, still goes to Wythenshawe once a month and says that he will have to travel at least 80 miles each way for his treatment while others in need of the operation will face a similar trek. He raised the issue with his local MP Janet Anderson.

Now she has written a strongly-worded letter to Health Minister Gisela Stuart calling for Wythenshawe to be saved.

Mrs Anderson, MP for Rossendale and Darwen and Junior Culture Minister, tells her government colleague that she has received a phone call from Mr Kenlock.

She said: "He had life-saving surgery at Wythenshawe Hospital eight years ago and is concerned that if this hospital closes then the whole of the North West will be isolated from transplant-related medical care. I understand that Wythenshawe Hospital is to be the only fully integrated heart and lung transplant centre in the world."