Hi and thanks for taking the time to look at my Justgiving page.

2 years ago I contracted endocarditis which is a bacterial infection of the heart. I became seriously ill and was in hospital for 6 weeks on intravenous antibiotics. After this initial treatment it was discovered that the illness had resulted in severe damage to my heart. I had to undergo major life saving heart surgery on the 4th of July 2013 which included replacement of the aortic valve and root, tricuspid valve repairs, removal of an abscess and multiple vsd closures which were holes between the chambers of the heart. 

After i had surgery and was discharged I was incredibly weak, even unable to walk down the street without losing my breath! This is where the North Gwent Cardiac Rehab came in. I attended their classes and improved dramatically, by the end of my time with them I was able to run around a football pitch comfortably. They helped me get back my fitness and confidence after a traumatic time. I feel that without the help of the team it would have taken a lot longer to get that point. 

2 years on and I am now in university, do regular physical activity such as tree surgery, climbing and running and i'm riding in a 20 mile bike ride to raise money for the people that helped me get to a point where i could do this.

In addition my two friends from university have agreed to ride with me, Sam Hobson and George Pickering are visiting Wales to show their support and hopefully increase the donations! The money donated will be used to buy more equipment for the rehab team and aid in the vital work they do.