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My Story

Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page. As most of you will know, on 12th February 2019 whilst walking to work, I suffered an ‘out-of-hospital’ cardiac arrest at the age of 34. 

Passers-by stopped to give me CPR. They gave me one shock with an AED Defibrillator, and First Responders gave me another when they arrived, which got my heart started again. But I was in a bad way and by no means out the woods, remaining in critical condition for the following hours and days. 

At the time, specialists told my wife and family that, if by some miracle I came through this, there was a high chance that I would have catastrophic brain damage. After two days of sedation, they brought me back.

Following many tests, it was confirmed that the trigger for the event was a 90% blockage of the left main coronary artery. So, they fitted me with a stent. My memory started to return (although to this day, despite what you read here, I have zero recollection of the event itself). 

A week later, I was back at home.

I am blessed, and forever grateful, that somebody stopped to save my life. I have been able to connect with that incredible woman and I am thankful for the swift medical attention provided by the NHS and the support they gave my family. Thanks to these brilliant people my wife still has a husband, and our children have a dad. 

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My Goal

I couldn’t, and still can’t, fully understand why people so young and seemingly fit and healthy, should suddenly have a cardiac arrest. Since ‘the event’ my main drive has been to raise awareness and to inspire and connect with those who have gone through something similar.

After 3 years of rebuilding my fitness, and learning to trust my body again, it’s time for the big one. This year I’m participating in the London Marathon. 

I was keen to get back to running, to prove that I wasn't going to let this episode dictate or, looking at it another way, take away a big part of my identity - who I really was. 

The London Marathon has always been on my bucket list (bad use of words!) and after looking to CRY for their support, to follow their research and screening programmes over the past few years, I felt that I wanted to run for this charity and raise money for their mission. 

A friend of mine recommended I look at CRY (Cardiac Risk for Young adults), their research and screening programmes across the UK, early after my initial return home. Looking at what happened to me, if I can help persuade one person to get screened or lace up their shoes and get running after a life changing moment, then I will be happy. 

And very tired…

Thank you for your time, your donation, and your incredible support.

Nick

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About CRY

Every week in the UK at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed cardiac conditions. With your donation, CRY can reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) by working with cardiologists and family doctors to establish good practice and appropriate screening facilities to promote and protect the cardiac health of our young. By supporting CRY you will help save young lives from these potentially fatal cardiac conditions. See how your support can help by visiting www.c-r-y.org.uk .