A year ago today, on 8 June 2025, I went through one of the most traumatic experiences of my life: open heart surgery.

So why am I sharing this now? Because I’m incredibly proud to be here a year later, feeling fit, healthy, and ready to do something that once felt impossible — and I’d love your support.

The backstory

In January 2024, I started having a few minor palpitations. I went to my GP and was told I was probably a bit run down or fighting off a viral infection. I went home and tried not to think too much of it.

But two months later, in March 2024, the palpitations came back with a vengeance. My heart rate was close to 200 bpm. (Thank goodness for my Apple Watch — it has warned me more than once over the last 2 years.) This time, I ended up in A&E. After an overnight stay, I was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve — a congenital heart defect I had no idea I’d had since birth — along with aortic regurgitation, which basically meant my valve was leaking.

I was sent home with medication and told I might need a new valve at some point.

To deal with the palpitations, I had a cardiac ablation in July 2024, and thankfully it worked. I came off the medication and the palpitations stopped. But even though I was technically asymptomatic, I still didn’t feel right.

That led to another cardiac echo in December 2024, followed by a CT scan in January 2025. That’s when I was told the valve leak had become severe, and I also had an aneurysm on my aortic root. Surgery was now the only option.

I was referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon, and after an angiogram in April 2025, I was told my arteries were perfect… but my valve was, in simple terms, absolutely knackered. You win some, you lose some.

So on 8 June 2025, I underwent open heart surgery. My damaged valve was replaced with a mechanical one, and my aortic root was repaired with a graft.

Recovery

Recovery was brutal.

It involved five intense months of cardiac rehab, as well as a couple of complications along the way. Unfortunately, the palpitations also returned, so in December 2025 I had a second cardiac ablation. Thankfully, this one worked a treat.

After that, I threw myself back into rehab and have been on an upward trajectory ever since.

I could not have got through any of this without the support of my family. They were incredible. A special mention goes to my mum — my Bridge of Lies watching partner while I was in hospital — and especially my wife, Robyn. Not only was she supporting me through all of this, she was also pregnant with our little miracle baby, Archer.

Why I’m sharing this

There are really three reasons I’m telling you all of this:

1. Always trust your gut.

From January 2024, I knew something wasn’t quite right. I didn’t always get the answers I needed straight away, but I kept pushing. I don’t like to think where I’d be if I hadn’t. You know your own body — be your own advocate.

2. Social media never tells the full story.

I use Facebook for the good stuff — theatre trips, special nights out, adventures with the kids. But what people don’t always see is what’s happening behind the scenes. If you’re struggling, or going through something similar, please reach out. Speaking to people who understand can make a huge difference.

3. I want to give something back.

Over the past year, two organisations have meant a lot to me, and now that I’m in a position to do so, I want to raise money for both of them.

The challenge

On 20 June 2026, I’ll be running my first 10k since open heart surgery — the Loch Lomond 10k — alongside my mother-in-law (Svigermor) Tina, and my brother-in-law, Ewan.

I may not be as fast as I once was, but if I get myself round that course, I’ll be absolutely ecstatic. A year ago, I probably couldn’t even have run the length of myself.

The charities

I’ve set up two JustGiving pages for the organisations I want to support, and I’d be hugely grateful if you could donate whatever you can and split your support between them.

20th Ayrshire (Stewarton) Scout Group

As many of you know, Alexander, my eldest son, is a Beaver in the Scouts, and not long after surgery I was persuaded to become a Beaver Leader myself. Spending time with the kids, and feeding off their energy and enthusiasm, has been amazing — and it helps you forget your own troubles for a while.

If you’d like to support the 20th Ayrshire (Stewarton) Scout Group, donations will likely go towards their big group camp this year.

Killie Heartmates / Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

One of the most important parts of recovery was being able to speak to people who had been through something similar. That support started through NHS cardiac rehab, and then continued with Killie Heartmates.

Killie Heartmates is a peer support group in Kilmarnock for people recovering from heart surgery or a heart attack, or living with a heart condition. Weekly meet-ups include cardiac exercise, conversation, and a cup of tea — and that support has meant a great deal to me.

Funds raised here will go to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland to support the Killie Heartmates group in Kilmarnock.

Thank you

If my story resonates with you, I’d be so grateful for any donation, no matter how small. And if you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for your support.

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