In November, I lost my incredible Dad to an aortic dissection. My Dad was a vibrant and energetic guy, full of life, with the most generous spirit and the biggest heart.

Aortic dissection claims more lives in The UK and Ireland every year than Road Traffic Accidents, yet awareness is significantly more limited.

The condition occurs when the body’s main artery, the aorta, tears (dissects). The damage is catastrophic - it happens suddenly, progresses rapidly, and is more often than not fatal. My Dad suffered an acute aortic dissection, and despite calling an ambulance for himself and being rushed into hospital, he died shortly afterwards.

Risk factors for aortic dissection include: High blood pressure, a personal or family history of aortic aneurysms or dissections, genetic pre-dispositions such as Marfan & Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, being male and over 55, and smoking.

My Dad had previously been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) years ago. Although this was treated, he subsequently developed another, which weakened his aorta and ultimately led to the dissection. In the UK, there is a free screening service for men when they turn 65. In Ireland, screening is available for a small fee. If this is relevant to you, a family member, or a friend, I implore you to utilise this service.

In these past few months, I have found myself explaining aortic dissection to so many people, most of whom have never heard of the condition. For something so deadly, I found myself thinking, how is there such little awareness about this condition? In my grief, this led me to the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust, a charity registered in both The UK & Ireland, the latter of which was my Dad’s beloved home.

The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust operates with a comprehensive approach:

1. They contribute towards medical research of the condition, such as genetic testing, aiming to make it preventable rather than treatable, which it often isn’t.

2. They raise awareness of the condition for medical professionals, as it is often misdiagnosed, or unable to be treated without specialist cardiac facilities. They have developed specialist guidance, like the “Could it be AD” toolkit, used by thousands of medics.

3. They strive to make healthcare policy inclusive of the condition, providing imperative diagnosis and clear management guidelines.

4. They raise awareness and provide advice, for patients living with the condition.

5. They offer bereavement support, for families and friends, like mine.

If you’ve read this far, then thank you. I hope you will agree that the work this charity does, and their all encompassing approach, is so very important.

As such, I have decided to fundraise for The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust. In October, myself and my lovely partner Joe, are trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. This trip has been planned for quite some time, and was something I was often discussing with my Dad, who loved trekking and was always off somewhere in Europe with his trustee poles. I will now be doing this trek in his memory, where he’ll be guiding me from above. Using his poles, I should get to the bottom of the top of the world on the 11 month anniversary of his death.

I still can’t believe that my Dad is gone, or that I am writing these words. I never thought that this would be his story, but it is. However, I am determined that some good comes from his death, which is why I want this charity to receive funding for their work. This will save lives, and prevent others experiencing a loss like mine.

A donation, of any size, would really mean so very much. However, what’s also important, is awareness of aortic dissection. So if you’re able to, please donate, but please, take a little time researching the condition. Awareness and prevention are key - and may well end up saving a life one day.

With love and gratitude,

Ella