SIR – On December 22, I was taken ill while shopping in the city centre. An ambulance was called and my brother Eddie and friend Muriel went with me to the BRI.

I was totally unaware of what went on around me for many hours. I now know that I had a leaking aortic valve, which had ruptured. It was extremely serious.

A doctor spoke to my son and daughter and told them it was necessary to operate immediately, but there was only a 50/50 chance of surviving the operation.

I did survive and I give grateful thanks to the surgeons and staff who cared for me and saved my life. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to say a public thank you to our marvellous NHS.

I would also like to thank my son Brian and wife Theresa, daughter Lynn and husband John for their dedication in waiting outside the operating theatre until nearly midnight for news of the operation, and keeping my spirits up when visiting. And not forgetting Jo, who looked after my wife Cath while I was away in hospital.

I am now well on the way to recovery. Thank you everyone concerned.

John R Alderson, a very lucky person, St Margaret’s Avenue, Holme Wood, Bradford