A FATHER who has been told he may not live until the end of the year is raising funds for the hospital which is caring for him.

Jock Campbell, who has suffered 11 cardiac arrests over the past two years, has been told problems with his heart have led to further health issues which are untreatable.

The 49-year-old, who lives in Malton, was born with a hole in the heart and underwent surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital when he was three months old.

He was fitted with a pacemaker at the age of 24 and given a defibrillator which shocks his heart if it starts to beat too fast, as well as having regular check-ups.

Jock said: “I was admitted to hospital at the end of September last year, spending three weeks hooked up to an IV drip.

“Two weeks before Christmas my cardiologist told me that my heart has got slower and weaker, which has caused my kidneys to stop functioning properly.

“My body is holding seven kilograms of extra fluid and I was looking at two years at the most.

“To say the least, after getting the news I was shocked, numb and stuck for words.

“I just broke down and cried.

“The reaction from family, friends, doctors and nurses was unbelievable, they kept me positive and helped me so much.

“With their help I decided I was going to prove them wrong.”

Jock added that things had been looking good and all was going well with his treatment.

“Then as time went on, the treatment wasn’t doing what it’s supposed to be doing.

“I became really ill and weaker both mentally and physically, and from having two or three years left, I was told I might not see this year out.”

Jock, who has two children, Thomas, 18, and 13-year-old Millie, said telling them had been the toughest thing he had ever had to do.

Jock said: “Having to tell my kids the news just before Christmas was the toughest thing I’ve ever had to do.

“I played it over and over in my mind, what I was going to say and how to say it.

“But I couldn’t do it so the doctor and nurses had to sit us all down and explained everything to them.

“Somehow we got through the news and came up with a plan that we would pack as much into the time I had left.

“But then I was told the second lot of news that my health had got worse and there was nothing else they could do for me.

“I sat the kids down and had to explain it to them, to see their faces broke me.”

Two years ago, Jock helped raise funds for a defibrillator for Ryedale Sports Club where he helped coach football teams.

Jock, who is continuing to have treatment at York Hospital, is now having his head shaved to raise funds.

“I’m having my hair shaved off to raise money for the heart failure department at York Hospital.

“I’ve suffered with heart failure all my life, but unfortunately my time is coming to an end.

“The heart failure department have done so much for me over the years, so I’m wanting to give back.

“I’m looking to raise £2,000 for the department, so they can buy two or three tilt and reclining chairs, which will benefit other patients and make their treatment a bit more comfortable.

“Thanks to everyone who has already donated and I would be grateful if others could please donate, and I can leave this earth knowing I’ve helped others.”

Jock will be having his head shaved at York Hospital on Wednesday, July 15.

To donate to the appeal, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/graham-campbell12