WHEN Ruth Locke was recovering from triple heart bypass surgery she faced an uncertain future, but 33 years later, she continues to defy the odds.

Originally given a life-expectancy of five years, then 10 and finally 13 years, doctors told the Warwick woman anything past that would be a miracle.

Today Mrs Locke credits her faith, a love of walking and the Warwick Heart Support Group for getting her this far.

Good friend and popular Warwick business owner, the late Phil Doyle had gone through an identical operation to hers just six weeks prior.

"He was such a great help to me,” she said.

"I couldn't wait to get home after the surgery but it was tough going. The depression and also paranoia about what I should and shouldn't eat.

"It was great to have someone there that could relate to my experience and help me deal with it, and vice versa.”

From this bond, the heart support group formed in 1986.

"We wanted to find others who were in a similar situation and offer support to anyone who need it,” Mrs Locke said.

"There were five people at our first meeting.

"We held it at Barry Walters' funeral home in Willi St.

"That was a good joke at the time, what a place to hold a support meeting for patients with heart problems.”

Group vice-president Mrs Locke said it was good for people worried about living with heart problems to come along and hear success stories.

"These meetings aren't about dwelling on the past, they're all about support for the present and the future.”

Today the group maintains about 20-25 members and meet from 11.30am on the last Monday of each month in the dining room at Warwick Christian College.

For more information contact Ruth on 46613073.