HEART patient Ted Cwiakala has launched a one man campaign for a bus from Leigh to Wigan Infirmary.

A Parkinson's Disease sufferer on top of that, he has spent weeks in the Royal Albert Edward - and to make matters worse he is now awaiting operations on both eyes.

While he was on the wards, wife Louise, found visiting from their Walmesley Road, Leigh, home difficult - just like many other car-less couples must.

Time had to be limited to the afternoons.

When he came out Ted decided to protest to the GMPTE Careline, who passed his comments on to First Manchester's Wigan depot. He also lobbied a local councillor.

Disappointingly the bus company wrote back saying it wasn't their intention to operate a service to the hospital, BUT it may be something for consideration in the future. I should think so too.

It's a long enough trip to Wigan without having to change buses, or walk the mile or so up the Wigan Lane hill before arriving at the hospital to see a loved one. Then facing the journey back must be horrendous.

Not something I would cherish doing every day for weeks.

Anyone who backs Ted's protest should write to First Manchester , Melverley Street, Wigan WN3 5AH letting them know a service is needed - and most of all that it would be used.

Then he might get somewhere fast!

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