Heart rate tester (From Barry And District News)

Heart rate tester

A BARRY engineer who was fighting for his life only two years ago is now in training for the Great North Run.

After bouncing back from his hole-in-the-heart operation, 43 year-old David Rees says he will "romp it".

"I've been running up to 20 miles lately," he boomed.

"I'm 100 percent fit compared to what I was before."

Before his operation David worked as an engineer on the Geest Cargo Boats between Barry and the West Indies.

But he now works for a famous businessman on a £25 million USD yacht in the Mediterranean.

While he is based in Monaco, the engineer has been to Barcelona, Cannes and Croatia, among other glamorous locations, where the yacht has docked.

But he always comes back to Barry whenever he can.

"After my heart operation two years ago, I just wanted to raise some money to give something back," he explained.

"Three of my colleagues are doing it as well, but mainly because of my operation. It gives them an excuse to keep fit while raising money for charity."

David trains three times a week and says the half marathon will be "no problem." He plans to spend at least two or three days in Barry before the run starts on October 6th.

"Next year I'd like to do the Cardiff Marathon if it's still going on," he said. "I just wanted something quite easy to start off with."

Anyone wishing to sponsor David should call 07966 180432.