I’m having heart surgery in the coming months, the date is still t.b.c due to backlogs but could be November or December now.

I have a genetic condition called Marfan syndrome which affects certain parts of the body, particularly those that need to be elastic. This includes the aorta, which is the main route for oxygenated blood out of the heart, the aorta can dilate and weaken over time in Marfan patients, which if untreated has a risk of rupture.

I was due to have surgery on my aorta in October, which involves wrapping it in a bespoke CAD engineered supporting tube to stop it from expanding any further. The procedure was invented by the engineer Tal Golesworthy about 15 years ago, he also has Marfan syndrome and was the first patient for this innovative procedure. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/engineer-who-fixed-his-own-heart-a7397016.html?amp

To mentally and physically prepare for the surgery I’ve set myself the challenge of getting fitter, I’m committing to step up my running to at least 3 times a week and to do yoga and stretches every day, all the way up to the operation day. I won’t be going too OTT as the aim is to get fit, not break any world records! I have to be mindful not to create a risk of of aortic rupture, but at the same time being in good shape on operation day will aid my recovery.

The Marfan Trust charity has been a big support and source of information for me and my family, and this ground breaking procedure would not be have come about without them, so I thought I’d use this opportunity to  raise some money for them, I appreciate it’s a tricky time for a lot of people, but if you could spare any cash for them I’d be very grateful!

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