A TOTTON dad is fighting fit and determined to raise money for charity despite undergoing quintuple heart bypass surgery just 18 months ago.
Colin Pankhurst, 44, of Water Lane, received the lifesaving operation in July 2003 at the Wessex Cardiac Unit in Southampton.
His family visited him every day and vowed to boost the coffers of the unit's dedicated charity Wessex Heartbeat once Colin, a maintenance operative at Fawley, had regained his fitness.
Colin, Carol and daughter Lisa, took part in a Rowing Machine Triathlon held at Thruxton Airfield where they used rowing machines, cycled and ran a total of 15 miles.
They raised more than £2,000 between them in sponsorship from friends, family and work colleagues.
"I wanted to prove to others facing cardiac operations that fitness can be regained and that life continues as before," said Colin.
"We are really grateful for the support from the 400 people who sponsored the three of us."
Anyone wishing to make a donation or fundraise for Wessex Heartbeat should phone 023 8079 6679 or e-mail office@heartbeat.org.uk.
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