Nearly a year ago I called goodbye to my husband Simon as he trotted off around the corner to go to Tommy's (the tackle shop) for his weekend supplies. I always say goodbye properly just in case it's the last time you ever see them, Mum taught me that, even if they've made you so mad you could stove their head in with a heavy jagged item, still say goodbye. Anyway, off he trotted and I expected a good hour of peace, god only knows what they find to talk about for so long, who knew fish could be so interesting.... However, that day, he reappeared within 5 minutes... I look down the stairs to see him standing at the front door sweating, breathless and complaining of chest pains. For goodness sake I thought, either he's been jogging for some reason or Tommy has run out of maggots.... quel horreur, surely not!

It felt like hours waiting for the ambulance (it wasn't), I wondered what I would do if they didn't get here in time, how I would tell his brothers, what I would do without the crusty old git....

Very long story short, he had a heart attack. He had a stent fitted at Coventry hospital and was discharged into the care of his wife (poor man) and more importantly the Cardiac Rehab Department at St Cross.

Bloody hell they were brilliant! In the 10 weeks he was with them they covered everything from diet, exercise, medication, mental and emotional challenges. So knowledgeable, encouraging, kind and non judgmental. What a terrific resource to have locally when we've lost so many services from St Cross.

Although I am old enough to know better, I am going to run the London Marathon this year and hope to raise a few pounds for the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department based at St Cross Rugby.

If you could spare a pound or two to support this local resource we would be very grateful :)