A Manxman who became the first child in the British Isles to undergo a revolutionary 12-hour operation for a rare heart condition - and survive - has shared his remarkable story in a new memoir.

Vic Wiggins, who was born in the south of the island, has spent his life defying the medical odds.

Born with transposition of the great arteries, a serious congenital heart condition, he was flown off the island shortly after birth to the Royal Liverpool Children’s Hospital, where he underwent the pioneering operation.

Now, decades later, Vic has documented his extraordinary journey in his new book, ‘Stitched Up’.

At only a few months old, he underwent a ground-breaking operation using the ‘Mustard’ technique. It was developed in 1963 by Dr William Mustard at the Hospital for Sick Children.

The procedure was successful and Vic returned home at seven months old, but his medical journey was far from over.

Now living in Melbourne, Australia, the 55-year-old has undergone three open-heart surgeries during his lifetime and faced countless medical setbacks.

His health deteriorated significantly in recent years, with Vic being taken to hospital by ambulance 25 times between 2022 and 2023.

After extensive assessments, he was placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant and spent 364 days waiting before receiving a new heart in February 2025.

Only 13 days after the transplant, Vic left hospital, and within two months he was back on a bike, riding with his son for the first time in years.

His remarkable story is now the subject of ‘Stitched Up: A Story of Heart and a Life Fulfilled’, a memoir published by Wilkinson Publishing.

The book explores Vic’s life living with a complex chronic illness, while also focusing on resilience, hope and his determination to make the most of life.

Rather than allowing his condition to define him, Victor continued to pursue his passions, becoming well known in off-road motorcycling and cycling circles.

The idea for the book came after Vic opened up to a school friend about the emotional impact of his declining health.

She encouraged him to write about his experiences, initially suggesting it could be a cathartic exercise that would ultimately soothe him.

What began as a personal outlet eventually developed into a published memoir.

Vic hopes the memoir can offer encouragement to people living with chronic medical conditions, as well as carers, families, educators and medical professionals.

The memoir looks at what it means to live with the knowledge that tomorrow is never guaranteed, while highlighting the importance of finding happiness, maintaining hope and continuing to live life to the fullest.

It also reflects the humour and adventurous spirit which has stayed with Victor his whole life, despite the significant challenges he has faced.

As the island is where Vic’s story began, he will be making the journey from the land down under to the Isle of Man for a special book launch.

Taking place at the Talk of the Town in Noble’s Park, Douglas, on October 6. The event will begin at 6pm.