A Hereford father with just three years left to live has been offered a life saving heart transplant in America.

But Peter Phillips, of Ambleside Drive, Westfields, who is in his late 40s, needs £100,000 before he can grab the chance of a new healthy life.

The dream is being realised by friend, Kim Bryan from Dinedor, who has spent the last three months collecting information from the internet on treatment in America and is now arranging fundraising events.

Kim, who works at the Post Office in Broad Street, Hereford, says a university hospital at San Diego specialising in heart transplant operations, is willing to carry out the op that costs on average £80,000. A further £20,000 will allow for extra medical care. Any left over money would be given to the British Heart Foundation.

Five heart attacks

Peter, who has a wife, Janet, and three daughters aged 11, 12 and 14, has been ill for several years with heart trouble and has survived five major heart attacks.

Until a few years ago he worked at a company in Hereford and before that was a part time member of the British Forces.

"His health has steadily deteriorated to such an extent that less than 25 per cent of his heart is actually working. He now needs a heart transplant as a matter of urgency," explained Kim.

Peter is on the NHS waiting list for an operation in the UK, however the list is long due to a shortage of donors and Kim and the Phillips family fear his time may run out.

Kim has discovered that organs are more easily available in San Diego, where it is accepted that families are paid to part with their loved ones parts.

When the time comes Peter will be unable to fly to the States as he has had a pacemaker implanted. Kim is due to contact ferry services to arrange his passage. The university has said that a family will put him up when he arrives.

At the centre of the fundraising is a signed Manchester United football which will be handed over to the highest bidder in a phone-in auction.

The ball was requisitioned for the Pete Phillips Heart Transplant Fund with the help of Kim's sister, whose friend is Alex Ferguson's bodyguard.

Kim is appealing for people to phone her at home after 6pm with their bids.

The effort to meet the huge fundraising challenge will see a 200-foot bungee jump take place on May 13 at Hereford rugby ground. The event will include food, drink and entertainment.

Daring feats will continue in July/August with a parachute jump.

Kim is also asking local businesses to buy raffle tickets at £25 each. The Motor Cycle Centre has donated a bicycle worth £500 to be raffled. Mace Travel has offered a one-week free holiday and Annie Harding at Classic Gold Radio has given a free advertising slot to raffle worth a massive £1,120.

"The events are also to highlight the shortage of donors across the country and make people more aware of transplant operations for young and old.

"I ask people to seriously consider becoming organ donors and inform their family if they are to avoid heartache if the unforeseen happens," said Kim who is a donor.

Anyone wishing bid for the Manchester United football, donate a prize or help in any way is asked to contact Kim or Neil on 01432 870556.