A FORMER soldier desperately needs a heart transplant after developing a potentially fatal disease.

Phillip Hardwell, 32, of Yate is currently awaiting the major operation after suffering multiple organ failure near the end of last year.

Phillip developed a disease of the heart muscle called ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) last spring and, since then, his friends and family have united to try to raise money to make life easier for him, his wife Roxy and their two children.

Phillip met Roxy in 2016 and they were married in the summer last year, but had to postpone their honeymoon after concerns over his health.

He served in the Royal Artillery for 12 years, including two tours in Afghanistan, before he was given an honourable discharge on medical grounds.

So far, £1,000 has been raised by Yate RFC veterans/social side Yate Yaks in a charity rugby match, while a race night and donations saw £8,500 generated to pay for living costs for Phillip and his family.

Last year, he was fitted with a pacemaker and put on the transplant list, but his condition worsened, and he was admitted to the Bristol Heart Institute.

In December, he was moved to the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge where he suffered multiple organ failure.

Phillip is now fighting hard to get fit enough to be able to have a heart transplant.

There are more events planned for the future to raise money for the family, with friends Jack Kelley and Bradley Hackett organising at charity football match at Chipping Sodbury Football Club this Sunday (February 2), with many of Phillip and Roxy’s mates and relatives playing.

The Bristol City supporters vs Bristol Rovers supporters match kicks off at noon at The Ridings Playing Fields.

There is a £20 donation to play, with various other activities taking place to raise as much as possible on the day.

So far there are over 20 players for each team registered to take part in the match.

A Gofundme page has also been set up for those that can’t attend on the day, with over 110 people contributing to a combined total of over £4,500 so far.

The Gofundme page can be found online here.