GNR  - "Project 120" - BHF

In 1975 aged just15yrs old, I was stunned by the unexpected premature death of my 44yr 3mth old, single parent Mum (Monica), due to post AVR (Aortic Valve Replacement) operation problems at Seaham Hall, Durham. 

At 21yrs I was fit, healthy and regularly played football. I had completed a100mile canoe test, a charitable parachute jump and been part of a 1979 Scout expedition working with UNICEF and climbed Mt Kenya. On a whim, at my friend Malcolm's suggestion, without any real training we entered and completed the inaugural 1981Great North Run (GNR) together. I then ran back to Sunderland to play in 5-a-side league, then went hiking in the Lake District the next day, wearing my lovely 'brown' GNR 'T'-shirt. No hint of ill-health.

In 2004 a cruel co-incidence meant I urgently similarly required an AVR  heart operation at Glenfield, Leicester, spookily also aged 44yrs 3mths. Fortunately progress in cardiac medicine and aftercare supported in large part by BHF, meant my young children didn't loose a parent and suffer the same traumatic chaotic early life and the emotional turmoil that I had endured. I now have a 23mm diameter (the same size as my wedding ring) titanium 'St Jude Medical' mechanical aortic valve requiring daily medication, life-long review and support.

After many years of quite a sedentary lifestyle, not running through footballing knee problems, head injuries and having a mini-stroke (2008), I'm now (a positive outcome of 'lock-down')  in a better physical shape and medically cleared to tackle the challenge and run the 13.1mile (21.1km) GNR. My aim  in 2021 was to run under 6min/km pace -  around 2hours - but managed it in a creditable 2:11:02hrs raising £1796. Due to Covid-19,  the 2021 was an 'out & back' course, starting and finishing at Newcastle's Town Moor and not meandering to  the coast at South Shields. Foolishly I still yearn to do the traditional route again. This time  hopefully in a  self imposed testing time under 2hrs (120 minutes). To motivate myself I've created "Project 120" for 2023 GNR.

Since 1961 the British Heart Foundation have carried out and funded research  (£100 million /yr) as well as offering support & advice to patients and their families. By way of some gratitude and token repayment enabling their good work to continue, both myself and my wife have bequeathed monies to BHF. I'm not planning on dying any time soon but funds are required now! To help progress their essential work still further, I urge any and everyone who knows or have known me, to support my aim in trying to raise £5000 towards BHF's invaluable urgent work on 10th Sept 2023, don't forget to  'gift-aid'!

Please look at the  photo gallery. After surgery  you're not sitting up having a cup of tea soon after, like BBC's 'Holby City'. Rest and rehabilitation allied with lots of time and effort by dedicated staff is required.

St Jude is the patron saint of lost causes "Beat heartbreak forever" isn't a lost cause, so please support me in supporting it!      

                  THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH      Steve R