Story
On 30th December 2024, I was admitted to hospital with chest pain initially diagnosed as a heart attack. I was 25. The diagnosis was later revised to myocarditis: an inflammation of the heart muscle, typically triggered by a viral infection. It can be fatal, and in my case it was serious enough to require three days in intensive care. I spent New Year's Eve and my 26th birthday in the intensive care unit. I was discharged a week later but told I couldn't exercise for four months. As someone who cycles daily, the enforced stillness had a real impact on my mental health, something that's rarely discussed in the context of cardiac recovery. Thankfully, I am among the lucky ones and recovered fully. I'm now 27 and training for multi-day endurance events. — Emil
🫀What We're doing:
Together with my good friend and colleague Stefan, this June, we're taking part in the NatWest Baton Relay. Stefan hasn't experienced myocarditis but wanted to show up for those who have. On the 5th, we're completing a whitewater rafting challenge. On the 10th, I'm also cycling two back-to-back stages: Liverpool to Manchester, then straight on to Leeds — over 100 miles in a single day.
🫀Why it matters:
We're raising money for Myocarditis UK, the only UK charity dedicated to this condition. They fund vital research, provide patient support, and work to ensure myocarditis is identified and treated early, before it becomes critical. Without greater awareness and funding, too many people — particularly young, otherwise healthy individuals — are caught off guard by a condition they've never heard of.
This issue is very close to my heart . Myocarditis kills one young person suddenly every week in the UK.
🫀How you can help:
NatWest will match every donation, meaning your contribution goes twice as far. Whatever you can give — large or small — makes a genuine difference.
Thank you for reading, and thank you for your support. Every £10 donated becomes £20 with the NatWest match. Let’s use this multiplier to fund the research that ensures no one else is caught off guard by this condition. ❤️