As you may know, I recently underwent open heart surgery at LGI. This being my third OHS made the surgery all the more worrying.

My worries, however, were somewhat unfounded as the whole team at LGI cardiology dept were absolutely the best I could have wished for. My surgeon Miss Van Doorn, her theatre team, my cardiologist Dr. Helen Parry, the staff in ICU and the recovery ward, and every single one who cared for me in LGI helped me massively to make the best possible recovery I could have dreamt of.

As a testament to their great skill and care, I'm back riding my bike after only a few months and would like to give something back in person, hence the ride from home in Chesterfield to the hospital in Leeds. It will be a cross-country ride taking in North Derbyshire, The Peak District, and some of the Trans Pennine Trail. The ride will be in the region of 100 miles ridden over 2 days from 8th to 9th July 2023. Joining me on this ride will be my partner Victoria Levitt, who supported and cared for me so well during my recovery period.

About the charity:

Although named the 'Children's Heart Surgery Fund' it doesn't just help with children's surgery but also supports those with congenital heart problems just like me. My surgeon Miss Van Doorn is actually a trustee of this amazing charity.

Children’s Heart Surgery Fund was founded in 1988. Since then, they have awarded over £10 million in grants to the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, its patients and their families, as well as funding important research proposals.

It’s all thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the general public and our corporate supporters, and by the amazing efforts of our fundraisers.

It is because of your donations and support through the years that we have a today and a tomorrow.

Find out more about this amazing charity here https://www.chsf.org.uk/