‘Rovers Return’ ex-landlord Jack Duckworth is first to back ‘Proud to serve the public’ campaign

Former Coronation Street actor Bill Tarmey is backing the ‘Proud to serve the public’ campaign to protect and promote public services.

Bill, who played the Rovers Return’s lovable landlord Jack Duckworth for 30 years, has singled out the National Health Service and its staff for special praise.

As Jack, he spent enough time behind the bar in Weatherfield to become an expert on top class public service.

But Bill also has his own personal experience of the life-saving public service which is a daily event in our hospitals.

Bill said: “I owe my life to the National Health Service.

“When I was 35 I had a heart attack on stage in Hale. My mate rushed me to Wythenshawe Hospital and they brought me round.

“Everybody was worried sick, except me as I wasn’t conscious. Since then I have had two separate heart by-pass operations and am eternally indebted to a Lebanese heart specialist called Henri Moussali and the nursing staff again at Wythenshawe for their efforts.

“Mr Moussali has sadly since died of cancer, but I am still here against all the odds thanks to him and the staff. I owe a huge debt to sister Bernie and all her girls who looked after me.

“For what it’s worth they also took care of my haemorrhoids – and they’ve got piles of experience in dealing with people.

“They also looked after my wife Ali and the rest of my family when they have been needed. I can’t praise the NHS staff enough for their kindness, expertise and dedication.”

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