A MAN who narrowly missed out on a heart transplant has become the first patient in Europe to receive a revolutionary new treatment on compassionate grounds.

Gordon Foster, 59, suffered the first of a number of heart attacks at 30, and was advised he would need a heart transplant.

But as his heart functionality was working at 17 per cent, he was not eligible for the transplant which requires functionality at below 16 per cent.

Gordon, a welder, was then made redundant and became depressed.

His poor health meant he became housebound and, at times, was unable to move from one room to the next.

But his life has now been transformed as he has become the first patient in Europe to undergo stem cell treatment to regenerate part of his heart muscle through the new Compassionate Treatment Programme at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London.

The treatment meant Gordon was given injections to stimulate the growth of his own stem cells. Bone marrow was then taken and the stem cells extracted from it before being injected back into his heart to regenerate the muscle.

Within a week of the operation, Gordon no longer needed to use his stair lift, his daily tasks such as walking up the stairs and doing housework became easier and he was able to enjoy spending time with his wife and children.

Gordon, who lives in Bridlington, said: “I will forever be thankful to the Heart Cells Foundation, and the work of the team at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, as without them I believe I wouldn’t be here today and I’m enjoying every moment I spend with my wife and children.

“Not only has the stem cell treatment I received helped to improve my physical health, but it has also massively improved my mental health and I now live every day with hope for the future.”

Professor Anthony Mathur, consultant at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, said: “Gordon’s story proves just how important it is to offer cell therapy to those who have no other medical choice.

“With more than a million people suffering with heart disease and failure in the UK, the need for treatment in this field has never been greater.

“We hope to lead the way to the treatment ultimately being available to thousands of other patients through the NHS, so we can help people like Gordon to lead near normal lives again.”