1 in 3 people who pass away each year in the UK are affected by heart disease - meaning most of us have probably lost a loved one this way. But it doesn't need to be the case. The BHF are dedicated to finding a cure for heart disease through the Mending Broken Hearts appeal. If we can support them, they may be able to find a cure in as little at 10 years.

I'm a congenital Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia patient. For those of you who don't know, Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia is an extreme form of tetralogy characterized by absence of flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries. This prevents the flow of blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and to the lungs. I had my intial repair done when I was verry little and suffered only a few minor problems since then!

I'm lucky to be here :)

During my undergrad I started to show signs of Severe Pulmonary Stenosis, but decided to wait it out until I finished uni as I didn't want to fall behind. 

I had my PV replaced in September of last year, but suffered major complications a week or so after coming home from the hospital. This resulted in me having another 12 operations over the course of the year and consequently being attached to a Vac Pump for just over a month due to Sternal Dehiscence (All this whilst trying to complete my Masters Degree in Public Health). 

As a result of all this surgical intervention, I still can't lie down, constantly sleep with a pillow strapped to my chest and take high dosages of pain killers which pretty much leaves me away with the fairies for most of the day. (Did I mention....more surgery to follow in a couple of months? If only the NHS gave gave out air miles for visits...:/).

Anyway, enough with the small violins! As I love BHF, I'm planning on running....(or lets face it, rolling) my way through all of RunLiverpool events (starting with the Santa Dash) to raise as much money as I can for a cause so dear to my heart (no pun intended :P).

Events I shall be running in: 

5K Santa Dash, 2nd of December 2012

Liverpool Half Marathon (DTBC)

Women's 10K (DTBC)

Mersey Tunnel 10K (DTBC)

.....and hopefully...if I don't pass out/run away in the process...the......

LIVERPOOL MARATHON (DTBC)

I'm taking this as my cardiac rehabilitation as quite frankly, I need to stop eating ALL THE FOOD.

Lots of love,

 

Rhiannon