Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

400,000 steps in January!!

On January 9th 2025 it is my 1 year "Valve-versary", 1 whole year since my life-changing open heart surgery replacing my Aortic Valve. In this year, I lost a bicuspid Aortic valve but gained a metallic one along with some Warfarin and best of all, a new baby :D!

The first half of the year was surreal and recovery was draining. Along with having a two-year-old toddler, a new baby 6 weeks after my surgery and my dad having a second kidney transplant 2 days after my op, it sometimes seems like I'm living someone else's life. A year on, recovery is still happening every day, fitness increases all the time and life has gradually returned to normal. There are, of course, niggles along the way. Nothing is linear and the odd pain or old symptom can arise which can be my body telling me to slow down. However, each day I see and feel progress and am very thankful!

To celebrate this 1st "Valve-versary" I am raising funds for two charities that helped me through this period of my life, both pre-op and post-op. Firstly, the British Heart Foundation; a vital source I used to gain an understanding of my congenital condition and to prepare for surgery. Through the BHF, I joined invaluable forum groups that reassured me through the process and were the first point of call for any queries I had.

Secondly, the Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group AKA Have A Heart Wolverhampton charity. They played a huge part in my recovery, from the 16 weeks of Cardiac Rehab sessions to personalised fitness plans and welcoming support; being part of a community that has all gone through something similar. The staff especially are fantastic and they all do great work.

I would like an equal amount of donations over the two charities; they are both very close to my heart (pun intended :D)

Thanks for reading and donating!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.