A SURVIVOR of multiple heart attacks is taking on a sponsored walk just two years after he received lifesaving surgery.

Pete Priestly, of Llanegryn (seen right), is taking on a two-mile trek throughout Tywyn on Monday wearing pink fancy dress and raising money for breast cancer charities.

It is a remarkable turn-around for 61-year-old Pete who spent hours on the operating table in November 2015 undergoing open heart surgery.

The former builder had suffered a series of heart attacks since 2011, notably including an attack on a white water raft in Bala in 2012, and has endured numerous operations on his heart.

Pete still vividly recalls the first time he was told he would need drastic surgery.

“The doctor told me that he had really bad news for me,” Pete told the Cambrian News.

“He said the stent operation I was meant to have wasn’t possible and that it would have to be open heart surgery.

“I just sat there and swore. Then I broke down into tears.

“The nurse sat down and hugged me and got me a cup of tea. From that point I’ve just been determined to get on with my life.

“I’m not just going to sit around waiting for the Grim Reaper - if I’m going out, I’m going out on my own terms!

“I’m still struggling with it if I’m honest. The sponsored walk is going to be about two miles but that’s enough for me - this is the first time since the operation that I’ve been able to do anything like this.”

The walk, which begins and ends outside Tywyn Library at 1pm on Monday, will pass by the local Co-op store where a cake stall and raffle will be held.

Sponsor forms for Pete’s challenge can be found across Tywyn and Aberdyfi, including in Wendy’s newsagent and the leisure centre.

Pete, who will be dressed in pink for his endeavour, is tight-lipped about what he will wear.