A Harefield Hospital patient has been named by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest surviving heart transplant patient.

John McCafferty, 71, has surpassed the previous record of 30 years, 11 months and 10 days, set by American Tony Huesman, who died in 2009.

More than 31 years after the operation was carried out at the hospital in Hill End Road, Mr McCafferty hopes his achievement can offer inspiration to other transplant patients.

“At the time of my heart transplant I was told that I might expect to live for another five years if the procedure was a success,” he said. “The idea that I would live to see my seventies was inconceivable, yet here I am. I want this world record to be an inspiration to anyone awaiting a heart transplant and to those who, like me, have been fortunate enough to have had one.”

Aged just 39, Mr McCafferty, from Buckinghamshire, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, one of the most common causes of heart failure.

He received his new heart on October 20, 1982, in an operation carried out by world-renowned surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub.

A passionate supporter of organ donation, Mr McCafferty was determined to make the most of his new heart by living life to the full.

He has made sure he remains fit and healthy, and has travelled to venues across the UK and Europe to compete in 11 Transplant Games.

“It was important to me to prove that life doesn’t stop at transplantation and to have a fitness regime to follow,” he explained.

“Most importantly, I wanted to promote organ donation at every opportunity.”

He says he will always feel indebted to his donor and to a family whom he has never met.

“They have given me a life with my family, one which I could never have had without their gift.”

Mr André Simon, director of transplantation at Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, said: “John’s achievement is remarkable and shows just what can be gained through transplantation.

“The fact that he has become a world record-holder should act as motivation to those awaiting life-saving transplants and to those who have received the gift of a new organ.”

Mr McCafferty visited the hospital to meet staff and show off his certificate.

He remains an active member of the transplant community at the hospital as public governor of the trust, acting secretary of Harefield Re-beat Club, and is a member of Harefield Transplant Club.

n Transplant patient meets donor’s dad – see page 33