Hello and thank you for visiting our JustGiving page. This April I will be running the Manchester marathon, raising money in honour of Ryan Stott. During the end of 2021 and early 2022 he had to undergo emergency heart surgery. 

The Story - told by Ryan Stott

"I was admitted to hospital on the 30th of September having suffered from over a month of worsening night sweats, high fever and episodes of confusion and intense localised pain. I was diagnosed with an undetected congenital heart disease: a bicuspid heart valve. As a result of this, I was suffering from severe bacterial endocarditis: the bacterial infection of the aortic valve and pericarditis: the infection of the tissue surrounding the heart. Due to the relatively long period over which I had been left untreated, I had suffered two minor strokes and had done irreversible damage to my aortic valve. I underwent an unsuccessful 4 week course of strong antibiotics before receiving emergency heart surgery: replacing my bicuspid heart valve with a replacement pig valve. After a further six weeks of antibiotics, I made a full recovery and continue to be an absolute fucking legend and shag-machine to this very day. My recovery could never have been achieved if it wasn’t for: The generosity of the Take Heart foundation who massively help fund the congenital wards in LGI; The amazing cardiologists, nurses and doctors working their arses off at LGI, saving lives daily; and the unending support of all my friends, family and loved ones who had my back every step of the way."

The Charity

Take Heart was founded in 1989 and since then has raised nearly six million pounds to fund both major projects and minor . They are committed to giving care and comfort to patients and their families at the Yorkshire Heart Centre at Leeds General Infirmary and St James Hospital and its Units within the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Take Heart are a fantastic charity and I can't thank them enough for everything they have done supporting Ryan. Running this marathon is to thank everyone who was able to help Ryan in every way possible. Alll donations are greatly appreciated, thank you!