Ironic: Man who invented board game Operation desperately needs cash for his own operation

In a bitingly ironic twist, the man who invented the wildly popular board game Operation now can't afford his own medical treatment.

17:34 30 October 2014

John Spinello invented the popular board game Operation, but now has turned to crowd-funding to pay for his own operation.

Spinello was studying industrial design at the University of Illinois when he invented the classic game in 1964, selling the rights for just $500. Despite the game earning millions for its sales, Spinello is not entitled to royalties.

Now the 77-year-old Illinois resident requires $25,000 (£15,400) for oral surgery that is not covered by his health insurance.

His friends Tim Walsh and Peggy Brown launched an appeal on the public funding website CrowdRise.

The fundraiser reads: "John has had a good life, but has admitted to us that he is struggling to pay his bills and is in need of a medical procedure without sufficient insurance coverage."

Spinello was unfazed and optimistic when he spoke to Huffington Post: "Look, everyone needs medical care.

"I prefer not to dwell on that aspect and focus more on the joy that the game has brought to so many over the years."