A BRIGHOUSE man, who suffers from heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy and is awaiting a transplant, has backed an information day being held in Bradford next month.

Darren Gibson's life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe heart failure in 2004.

After years of unexplained symptoms - always being tired, pulling muscles and getting cramps - he was at first diagnosed with ME.

But in 2003 he went to see a different doctor about ongoing pains in his chest, and he was sent to a fast track chest pain clinic, given medication and told not to work until he had an angiogram.

Despite his subsequent diagnosis, Mr Gibson's condition continued to deteriorate and by 2007 he was fitted with a pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator. This was designed to make his heart beat in a more efficient way and would shock him should his heart fall into a dangerous rhythm.

This stabilised his condition for a time, but on July 13, 2011, he was given the gut-wrenching news that he would need a heart transplant.

Subsequently his health deteriorated to the point that he needed to use a wheelchair to go out. So he was advised to have an operation to fit a left-ventricular assisted device as the pressures between his heart and lungs were too high at the time for a transplant.

Mr Gibson, now 50, remains on the transplant list today.

He said: "I just knew deep down something wasn't right every time I went to the doctor.

"Cardiomyopathy is difficult to detect and if not diagnosed the consequences can be devastating.

"I am passionate about raising awareness of the condition because it affects so many people.

"Whilst not everyone will experience cardiomyopathy in the same way I have, I hope my story can inspire others to recognise the signs and symptoms of the condition before it's too late."

Mr Gibson is in support of national charity Cardiomyopathy UK, which aims to provide support to others affected by the condition.

He will be among those attending an information day being held on June 3, by the charity, at Kala Sangam Arts Centre, St Peter's House, 1 Forster Square, Bradford.

There will be presentations from expert speakers, a chance to meet and share experiences with other people affected by cardiomyopathy, and an opportunity to find out about the support Cardiomyopathy UK can offer.

To find out more and to book a place visit cardiomyopathy.org. It costs £5 and includes a sandwich lunch.