Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I'm Bill Blain - banker, market commentator, and sailor. 

A few years ago I suddenly found myself struggling with exhaustion. It became difficult to climb the stairs. I struggled for breath. Sports became more difficult: walking, cycling and especially my sailing - my passion. I was diagnosed with a heart problem - blocked arteries. A stent wasn't suitable and I had a full triple bypass. Unfortunately there were complications, and it went wrong. I lost one of the grafts. Since then I've struggled to get fit again. But with support and encouragement, especially from my gorgeous wife Nicola and my kids, I'm trying!

I discovered Wessex Heartbeat soon after the massive heart attack that followed the graft's failure. They do a superb job helping sufferers and their families. Using the latest MRI technology they are now building exact 3D models of damaged hearts to improve surgeons' success rates, and to explain to patients and parents what's happening. They care, and are making heart disease less destabilising and stressful for sufferers and their families. 

I'm going to walk the South Downs Way to help my own fitness, but mainly to raise money for Wessex Heartbeat. They support patients and families right the way through the incredibily complicated journey Cardiac Treatment entails. To be fair, I didn't know anything as my chest was hacked open, my heart ripped out and replumbed, and then all of it jammed back into place as I was stitched up with metal staples. But I knew all about pain later. Nicola had to suffer it all as she held my hand the whole way. The surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff could not have been better or more kind.  

I urge you to support the work Wessex Heartbeat are doing to improve cardiac outcomes. Wessex Cardio treats 20000 patients, including 1000 kids, every year. 

Walking the South Downs is important to me! Despite being a Scotsman I've discovered England to be a beautiful place. It will also be great for my personal fitness! 

100 miles doesn't sound far, but if every step makes me fitter and helps other heart victims, then every step means something! 

Bill Blain - Cardiac Survivor and Thriver!