A Weymouth musician who nearly died of a 'broken heart' says he has organised the next Gimme Shelter fundraiser for homeless people - just five weeks after undergoing emergency surgery.

Paul Sharod, 35, who had previously had a heart operation, but was otherwise in good health, said he rang 999 after experiencing "excruciating pain - the worst feeling of my life", and was taken to A&E in Dorchester.

It was there that doctors discovered his aortic artery - the main supply of blood to the heart - had split - leaving him with only a 20 per cent chance of survival.

NHS staff immediately rushed him to Southampton General Hospital, who flew in top surgeons from around the country to perform a complex operation, in which his heart was removed and fitted with a new Gore Tex artery.

Since leaving hospital, the guitarist, who plays with local psychedelic rock band The Surfin' Birds, says he has surprised doctors by making a speedy recovery - but in a devastating twist, has been left with numbness in his finger-picking hand, as a result of his nerves being severed during the op.

Mr Sharod compared the prospects of not being able to play the guitar with "having my heart ripped out by the love of my life", and is doing physio exercises in the hope of being able to return to gigging with his band.

At the moment he is able to play acoustic guitar whilst sitting down, but says he is finding the experience "frustrating".

"I've played the guitar since I was six, it's a massive part of who I am - my whole family - my brothers, my dad and my mum, we're all musicians", he said.

"I wanted to channel my frustration into doing something positive, so I'm putting that energy behind the scenes instead, by organising the next Gimme Shelter night."

Mr Sharod said the next event is now booked for June 8 at the Wyke Smugglers.

He added: "I feel passionate about helping the homeless situation. It is a disgrace that so many people are living on the streets when we live in such an affluent country - and things are getting worse... why?

"It always seems to be the people who have least who give the most - so while we wait for rich corporations to do something to fix the problem, let's enjoy a dance and raise some money to help people who really need it."