On 5th May 2025, I lost my dad to an aortic dissection. He was just 58.

I learnt about my dad's hospitalisation from an unusual late night phone call from my mum. Whilst I was on a flight, rushing back to see him, I received the devastating news that he had already passed.

Only the day before, he had been well — spending a regular Saturday playing basketball in the morning. In the early hours of Sunday, this severe pain struck him suddenly, followed by a stroke resulting in left sided hemiplegia.

He was fortunate to retain cognitive function & speech, allowing him to communicate with friends and family until he passed away in the early hours of Monday morning. However, many others may not be so fortunate.

On 14th September 2025, I will be taking part in my very first Ironman 70.3 in Weymouth, UK. I’m dedicating this challenge to my dad’s memory, and using it as an opportunity to raise funds for The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust — a charity that supports research into earlier recognition and better management for this life threatening condition.

I will give my all in this event. Please consider donating to help funding research and raise awareness — so more families may be spared the heartbreak that ours has endured.

Thank you for your support. Any amount is appreciated!