Man, 22, in lifesaving heart op

Lorraine Tinney • Published 23 Jun 2009 14:00

A YOUNG Port Glasgow man has undergone heart surgery only months after being voted the best plumber in Britain.

John Paul Hutchison, 22, scooped the top award at a prestigious UK-wide industry bash in London in April.

But shortly afterwards a cough developed into a lung infection which affected his heart.

After several spells in hospital, John Paul recently endured gruelling lifesaving surgery to remove fluid.

John Paul, a former St Stephen"s pupil, who is still recovering in hospital, said: 'I don"t think many people can believe I have heart problems at my age.

'It first started with discomfort across my chest. I took ill shortly after the Tele article came out.'

But John Paul, who is the youngest of six children, is putting on a brave face, even though he won"t be able to pick up his beloved tools for four months.

His parents, John and Janette, are at his bedside every night and John says they are not only proud of his achievements but with the way he dealt with his illness.

John said: 'He had a cough at the time and that was the first indication something was wrong.

'The consultant told us this was something that had been creeping up on him.

'It developed into a lung infection and went across to the lining around his heart and his heart became infected.

'He has had one procedure, one minor and one major operation to remove fluid gathering in his heart. He has coped very well.'

John Paul, of Lilybank Road, impressed judges with his motivation, expertise and outstanding achievement while serving his time with NG Bailey.

John said: 'We are extremely proud of him.

'He choose to do a trade instead of going to university and he won the award - we are proud of all our kids.

'He"s been through a lot over the past six weeks and staff at Inverclyde Royal and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank have been an excellent support.'

Tweet

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 23 Jun 09

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @greenocktele