In 2016 I was diagnosed with a bicuspal aortic valve, which although had coped for 51 years had now caused damage to my aorta and was in an imminemtly critical condition. I underwent a life saving operation replacing the aorta, the aortic base and aortic valve with basically carbon fibre parts As well as a heart bypass. The NHS were fantastic and truly saved my life.

Almost a year on I'm coping with life but having to retire from my public service role but now its time to give something back, to assist each and everyone who has a heart, and if you're reading this, that includes you.

Paula and I, with the support of The Sussex Heart Charity, would like to donate a defibrillator (AED) the cost of which is £965 each. We initially thought that it would be nice to see an AED at every public equestrian centre in the area due to our horse related background, but for the most advantageous sites we would be guided by The Sussex Heart Charity.

We invite each of you who 'Have a Heart' to make a donation in support of getting as many AED's placed in our community, it will take you about FOUR MINUTES........... which, incidently, is the crucial time for heart attack victims to recieve initial intervention. The AED's can be operated by anyone, you switch them on, place the pads and the unit does the rest, IT SAVES LIVES, because of your help.