In August 2025, what should have been the happiest time of my life turned into the most frightening experience of my life.

My wife, Kim, and I had just got married and were on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic when, on our very first full day there, I suffered a heart attack at the age of 52

Because of where we were, it was four hours from the start of my heart attack before I received the initial treatment to stop it. Kim was left alone in a foreign country while I was taken by ambulance to a hospital over three hours away. It was an incredibly frightening time for us both.

The doctors discovered that only one of my arteries was still working. Because of the location and the specialist care I needed, it was another 36 hours before I was able to have stents fitted. Those long hours of waiting are something I’ll never forget, and I know how fortunate I am to be here today.

After two weeks, I was finally able to fly home with a medical escort, where I was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital. In December, I underwent further surgery to have an ICD fitted to help protect my heart.

The care I received throughout my journey was nothing short of incredible. The cardiology teams gave me a second chance at life, and I’ll never be able to thank them enough.

Recovery wasn’t easy. After having my ICD fitted and with the medication I now take every day, I developed Raynaud’s syndrome, which means I often struggle to feel any warmth in my hands and feet. It’s a constant reminder that although I survived, life has changed. There are still daily challenges, but I refuse to let them define me.

I started with gentle exercises at home before taking up running. Step by step, kilometre by kilometre, I became stronger. Running has become a huge part of my recovery, both physically and mentally. I now run almost every day and have achieved personal bests over distances of 10–15km.

On 23rd August, almost exactly one year after my heart attack, I will be taking on the Fleetwood Half Marathon (21km). This isn’t just another race for me. Every mile represents the journey I’ve been on—from fighting for my life in a hospital thousands of miles from home to standing on a start line with the chance to do something I never thought would be possible again.

I’m raising money for the Blue Skies Hospitals Fund to support the cardiology unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The doctors, nurses and staff there looked after me with such skill, kindness and compassion, and I want to give something back so they can continue helping other patients and families when they need it most.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how much, I would be incredibly grateful. Every pound will help support the outstanding work of the cardiology team that gave me my second chance at life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and thank you for supporting both me and this amazing cause.