A pensioner who was given just an hour to live has made a “miraculous recovery” after suffering three heart attacks during a battle with bowel cancer.

The family of Ken Kellett, 82, hailed quick-thinking doctors at Bradford Royal Infirmary for saving his life when he experienced complications after surgery to remove a malignant tumour from his bowel.

His wife Rita Kellett, 60, of Idle , said: “He had three heart attacks in nine weeks. It was absolutely horrendous. At one point he was given an hour to live and we were told to bring up our family from Norfolk.

“They said if he was able to survive it would be a miracle. We’re so glad he’s still here.”

Mr Kellett, whose son Paul died of leukaemia aged 49, started receiving intensive radiotherapy treatment at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in February But he started experiencing complications after surgery to remove the tumour, and Mrs Kellett said he was “probably treated in every ward except maternity”.

Mrs Kellett said: “He’s 82, but he’s a fighter. The doctors said what he’s been through would be a struggle for someone a lot younger.

“Every time I went to bed I couldn’t sleep because I was worried the phone was going to ring.

“We were so relieved when he pulled though. The doctors think they’ve removed all the cancer, so we’re hoping he continues to make a good recovery”.

On Friday, the family held a party at Idle Working Men’s Club to mark Mrs Kellett’s 60th birthday, where she asked her 160 guests to make a donation to Bradford Royal Infirmary in lieu of presents.

She said: “The planning was a little bit last-minute because we didn’t know if it would be a party or a funeral.

“I don’t really need anything, so I decided I didn’t want presents and for people to give money to help the cancer wards at BRI.

“We’re regulars at the club and they were kind enough to let us use it free and local businesses donated prizes for a raffle.

“It’s our way of saying thank you. The care Ken received was absolutely marvellous and we can’t thank them enough.”