A NEWPORT singer and comedian is planning a fundraising concert in the autumn to raise money for the Royal Gwent Hospital’s cardiology unit.

Johnny Dimes - real name John Williams - is well known on the South Wales entertainment circuit, though he is currently taking six months out following a quadruple heart bypass operation.

But that has not stopped him organising some charity events for St Davids Foundation Hospice Care and St Anne’s Hospice, and after being impressed by the care he received at the Royal Gwent prior to his transfer for surgery in Cardiff, he decided to help raise money.

“The cardiology people at the Royal Gwent, where I had my angiogram, were great.

“But I thought it would be nice to raise some money to buy a television or something, for the cardiology ward,” said the 52-year-old, who lives in the Gaer.

“I’ve had angina for a while and it was getting worse. I had the surgery five weeks ago and it’s a slow recovery but I’m doing OK.

“I’m taking six months off, because I have to carry my own equipment, which is heavy, and I often have to lift it up the stairs. But I will get back into it again.

“The autumn event for the hospital will go ahead, but the details need to be finalised.”