A MAN who set up a support group for people with the heart condition cardiomyopathy is hoping to spread information to newly diagnosed sufferers.

John Waterson, from Havelock Street, Darlington, suffers from dilated cardiomyopathy, one of four forms of the condition, which has no cure and ultimately requires transplant treatment.

After setting up the support group in Darlington last year, he has written a booklet on his own experiences and places people can go for help when diagnosed.

Mr Waterson, 50, is distributing copies of Cardiomyopathy for the Big Hearted to GPs' surgeries around Darlington, including those in Hurworth and Middleton St George.

The booklet has a foreword by Joy McCulloch MBE, the cardiac rehabilitation nurse at Darlington Memorial Hospital, and is dedicated to Steve Airey, the support group's first member, who died last year.

Mr Waterson was diagnosed three years ago and, despite medication to control the condition, suffers breathlessness and pains in his arms and legs.

Anyone who who would like to find out more about the support group can contact Mr Waterson on (01325) 264806.