On the morning of Sunday 17th April 2011, our dad - Tippy - kissed mum goodbye, closed the front door, and fired up his beloved Harley.

He was heading out to do what he loved most, riding alongside thousands of bikers in the annual Wirral Egg Run, delivering Easter eggs to children at Clatterbridge Hospital.

It was meant to be a joyful day.

But just moments after setting off on the journey home, everything changed.

Dad pulled over. His friend Phil stopped beside him, asking what was wrong.

And right there, by the side of the road, our dad took his final breath.

He was just 51.

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The days that followed were a blur of shock, grief, and unanswered questions. How could someone so full of life, so active and healthy, be gone in an instant?

At first, there were whispers of a heart attack. But eventually, a post-mortem gave us an answer we had never even heard of before…

Aortic Dissection: A tear in the wall of the aorta, the body’s main artery, that causes blood to surge between its layers. It’s rare, unpredictable, and often catastrophic.

Some people can be saved if it’s caught in time.

Dad couldn’t.

Even if he had been in an operating theatre at that exact moment, the rupture was so severe that nothing could have been done.

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Fifteen years ago, there was very little awareness of this condition and no dedicated support for families like ours.

That’s why this means so much to us now. No one should only learn about aortic dissection after it’s already taken someone they love.

In honour of our old man, this August we’ll be throwing ourselves out of a plane to raise money for ADCT, The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust.

Fingers crossed our landing goes a little smoother than Dad’s did on one of his charity jumps… which, famously, ended in a pond.

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Although rare, aortic dissection can affect anyone.

Key Risk Factors:

-High blood pressure: the biggest risk, as it weakens the artery over time

-Genetic conditions: inherited disorders that affect the body’s connective tissue (like Marfan syndrome)

-Existing heart or aorta problem: such as an enlarged aorta or valve issues

-Age & gender: more common in men and people over 60

-Sudden strain on the body: heavy lifting or intense exertion

-Drug use: especially cocaine or amphetamines, which spike blood pressure

-Chest trauma: for example from accidents

-Other medical conditions: including hardened arteries or certain inflammatory diseases

-Pregnancy: rare, but can increase risk due to strain on the heart and blood vessels

Symptoms to watch for:

-Sudden, severe chest or back pain

-Often described as a tearing or ripping feeling

Aortic dissection is a medical emergency where every minute counts and early detection can save lives.

Simple steps like monitoring your blood pressure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and speaking to your doctor about family history can make a difference.

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We’re doing this jump for our dad.

For the man who loved big, laughed loud, and is missed beyond words.

And for every family who’s been blindsided by this cruel and silent condition.

If you can donate, share, or simply take a moment to learn more, it genuinely means the world.

Get your ticker checked!!! A 2-minute blood pressure test could save your life, or someone else’s.

This one’s for you, Pops ❤️