In January of 2020 I was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a cardiac arrhythmia which causes my heart rate to rapidly increase to much higher than normal. As a result I had to make significant changes to my day to day life.

I was told that a procedure called catheter ablation was my best option for treating the condition. I travelled to Manchester in July 2020 to have the ablation carried out by a highly recommended cardiologist.

Within a week of surgery I was already noticing a difference in my heart and was looking forward to getting back to playing the pipes and hillwalking, two of the things I had missed the most.

It was at this point I found that my cardiologist had died very suddenly a week after performing my surgery. It was truly devastating, he had supported me through my diagnosis and treatment as well as throughout the added complication of the pandemic. He was comforting, kind and reassuring and it was clear how well loved he was by all of the hospital staff. He was a very special man who had a positive influence on the lives of many.

The impact the cardiologist had on my life was incredible and I am so grateful to have been a patient in his care, even just for a short period of time. I am feeling better than I have in years and feel so lucky that I am able to get back to many of the things I had missed so much after my diagnosis.

My experience with SVT has been challenging but I have learned so much about cardiovascular health and my cardiologist has inspired me to try and make a difference. Over the next year and beyond I will be fundraising to have a defibrillator (AED - Automated External Defibrillator) installed in my local area and then beyond. I am doing this with support from an amazing charity called Arrhythmia Alliance. I will be carrying out a number of activities including bake sales and busking with a challenge of piping at the summit of Ben Nevis next Summer.

AEDs play a vital role in increasing the chances of survival for a person that has gone into cardiac arrest. It is important that more AEDs are installed so they are accessible to the general public in case of emergency as cardiac arrest could affect anyone at any time.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated in order to make a difference in memory of an incredible man.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported me through my journey with SVT. It has been quite an experience but I am so grateful to all of you who have been there, I couldn’t have done it without you!

Megan♥️