Each year, 2,000 people in the UK lose their lives from an aortic dissection. Around 33% of those suffering from an aortic dissection are misdiagnosed. 10 lives could be saved per week with the correct diagnosis. It is a time critical-medical emergency that when diagnosed and treated on time has a better than 80% survival rate. For some, there is a hereditary cause. Relatives should be screened to ensure that they are not at risk.

Aidan first became aware of the importance of genetic testing, and the impact of an aortic dissection, when he met his fiancé, Beth. Her father, Steve, suffered a Type A dissection of his ascending aorta when mid-flight. Steve's dissection was as a result of a genetic condition that he, and his family, were previously unaware of prior to the dissection. Without the prompt diagnosis upon arrival at the hospital it is likely that Steve would not have survived. The condition is known as Loeys-Dietz.

Unfortunately, Beth and her cousin also carry the condition, identified as a result of genetic testing of Steve's family. In 2023, Beth underwent open heart surgery to repair her aortic root to prevent a dissection. The surgery was a success, and highlights the importance of testing.

Aidan and Simon are running to bring awareness to the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, and to highlight the importance of genetic testing.