We have both worked in the NHS for many years and are passionate about providing the best possible care for our patients. Outside of work, we love adventure and challenge. Unfortunately, last year while we were climbing in Ecuador my husband collapsed while attempting to summit Cayambe. We were alone with our guide and my husband lay unconscious for 2 hours while we waited for help to arrive and rescue him from a height of 6000metres. As a nurse, my instincts took over, my husband became my patient and it wasn't until we were safe in Quito hospital several hours later that the emotion took hold and the realisation that he could have died hit us both. Gary was subsequently diagnosed with Patent Foramen Ovale which means that he will not be able to continue to do what he loves without this hole in his heart being repaired. Because of the size of the hole, he is also at increased risk of stroke, having already had several small clots identified on his brain during the investigation for his collapse. Unfortunately this surgery is not funded by the NHS. We see every day how valuable and finite that NHS resources are and appreciate that sometimes someone has to told "no". In this case, it is my husband. This experience has changed his life and now more than ever he wants to live life to the full without fear of a stroke. PFO repair will take away the risk and give him back his love of life.