Three years ago while out swimming at my cottage in Lake of Bays, I found myself in  distress and was having great difficulty breathing. As a long distance open water swimmer, I knew that something was seriously wrong.  

I booked an appointment with my family G.P. Dr. Andy MacMillan at the Huntsville Hospital and he detected a heart murmur and booked me for an immediate echocardiogram. The results were serious and I was sent to South Lake Hospital for heart surgery.
The Huntsville Hospital was instrumental in diagnosing my severe heart problem and setting a life saving course of action including the long road of cardiac rehab.

Although my surgery was at South Lake in Newmarket, community hospitals such as Huntsville District Memorial Hospital are key to diagnosing a problem and being key drivers in recovery. 

The service and care I received from the front line health care workers was miraculous and they made me feel comfortable by being attentive to my needs and fears. 

I am raising money to secure cardiac diagnostic equipment for the hospital. A Cardiac Echo Machine is on the hospitals list and costs $60,000.00. 

My event is called Glenn "The Fish" Vickery's Heartfelt swim around Bigwin Island  2022. I will be swimming the entire 10 kilometer circumference of  Bigwin Island to raise awareness that you can lead a productive and active life after major heart surgery and set aggressive/ challenging goals on your road to recovery. It is a celebration that I am back in Lake of Bays, in top form and loving life.

The event will be on Saturday August 27 and I am planning to leave from the main dock; east of the the golf course. Start time will be 8:30 a.m. in order set off before the wind currents pick up. This will also be the finish area.

Swimming in Lake of Bays has been instrumental in my training and recovery regimen, and it seems fitting to add Bigwin Island to the challenge. It will be my longest single day swim ever and I am nervous and excited to complete it. 

It is my way of saying thank you to all of the front line workers at the Huntsville Hospital and to advocate for funding and support for cardiac diagnostic equipment. 

I am hoping that you can support the hospital by donating to the cause and sharing the page. 

Glenn "The Fish"