A NEW exhibition of portable antique sewing machines is set to be opened in Penmaenmawr this week, by a heart surgeon from Liverpool.

Displaying part of 76 year-old Frank Meldrum’s classic collection, the ‘So Handy’ gallery has finally become a reality, thanks in part to the specialist care and treatment he received earlier this year from Mr Mo Zeinah, Consultant Heart Surgeon and all the team at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.

Mr Meldrum said: “I’ve always had a passion for portable antique sewing machines, and I wanted to find a space where other people could enjoy them as well. But after spending eight months converting a shop to put them on display, my plans were put on hold by a heart attack at the end of March.

“After being transferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for specialist care, my wonderful surgeon, Mr Zeinah, told me that I needed major surgery - a triple heart bypass and an aortic heart valve replacement.

“Thankfully the surgery was a success and after a couple of weeks receiving care from the staff in intensive care and on the wards, I was able to return home to continue my recovery – and to complete the work I’d started on the gallery.”

The gallery (6 Oxford Arcade, Pant-Yr-Afon, Penmaenmawr, LL34 6AE), which will also be supporting the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity, will be officially opened by Mr Zeinah at 11am on Thursday, July 1.