No-one is putting their heart into the I love Manchester campaign more than Paul Whittaker from Wythenshawe, who says that Manchester and its services have just saved his life.
Paul, aged 44, is showing his heart-felt thanks to the city after his visit to a mobile health clinic, operated by Manchester City Council and South Manchester Healthy Living network, picked up a signs of serious coronary problem which could have killed him.
The men's heart health bus -which is staffed by nurses and operates on a drop-in basis - was parked up at the Bideford Community Centre in Baguley when Paul, looked out of his window and decided to call in on spec.
Paul says: "I'd been feeling bad for around a week. But, like a lot of men out there I didn't want to pay too much attention to it and I hadn't gone to the doctor. I'm probably quite stubborn about these things.
"But, when I looked out of the window and saw the mobile clinic I just decided to drop-in and ask their advice."
That visit to the heart health bus was a life-saver and the ticket to new future for Paul. Once nurses had discussed his situation and done cholesterol and blood tests they immediately knew that Paul had an undiagnosed heart condition. They referred him to his GP straightaway and then to Wythenshawe Hospital where he had emergency treatment for blocked veins to the heart and was also treated for type two diabetes.
"If I'd not visited that bus, I'd be in big trouble now, if not dead," says Paul. "I can't say thank you enough to the nurses and Manchester City Council and South Manchester Healthy Living Network."
Now that Paul has had his operation, he is back at work as a concierge at the Airport Hilton Hotel. He has also made major lifestyle changes - including swapping bacon sandwiches for bananas and bran.
"I'm doing everything I can to eat better now," he says. "I have to stay away from fried foods and bacon sandwiches if I want to live."
And, for Paul there's no better incentive to make these changes than when he looks at his three grandchildren.
"Every day is precious," he says. "I have a second chance and I want to see my grandkids grow up. Even taking them to the park has a new meaning."
The experience has also made Paul re-visit his ambitions to travel and follow his hobbies.
"I used to travel a lot," he says. "I even worked for a hotel in New York, where I drove a limo. Now, I'd love to go on a Nile cruise and see the pyramids - that's my goal."
But, back at home, Paul plans to take up fishing again as a way of relaxing and following medical advice about lifestyle changes.
"Lots of things are open to be now," Paul adds. "I'm very grateful and all I can say is a big thank you to all those people who helped me. I just want that mobile clinic to keep on the road - who knows how many people it could save. That's why I'm backing a campaign that supports Manchester and its services."
Councillor Glynn Evans, Executive Member for Adult Services at Manchester City Council, said: "The mobile clinic is an invaluable resource - it gives preventative advice, lifestyle help and crucially the nurses can pick up problems before they become life-threatening conditions. My thanks to Paul for his bravery in sharing his story and for showing his pride in the city."
Ann Inman, Service Lead for South Manchester Healthy Living said: "We frequently talk about prevention being better than cure. Paul and his experience of the mobile clinic show how health problems detected early on can transform the lives of patients and their loved ones."