So I am swimming 21 miles (distance of crossing the English Channel) and  I am aiming to complete this over a 12 week period starting Saturday 31st August and completing Saturday 23rd November.

So that is 33000 metres 🙈

Why you ask? In the North East of England, more people die from cardiovascular diseases than from Cancer. It is a sobering thought that many of us in the region, or those close to us, may well need the expertise of the Cardio Unit at the Freeman Hospital at some time in our lives.

In recent years, advances in treatments and procedures have resulted in improved health outcomes for patients with CV diseases. Much of it is due to research. The Newcastle Cardiovascular Trials & Research ( NECTAR) fund is based at the Freeman Hospital.

Apart from the amazing research they do I also have very personal reasons to want to raise money for research. 

In 2015 my father  suffered 2 heart attacks and we were told he was extremely lucky to be alive. It took a lot of recuperation and time but we are forever thankful to the Freeman Hospital and the work they did and care they provided. 

Then in September 2017 we recieved the devastating call that my cousin James had died of a heart attack.He was 37 years old. No one expected or could believe this happened. He was taken far to soon.

With my Aunties permission I am sharing this with you as every single day James is missed by those who loved and knew him.

 If the money raised could help the research needed in order to help another family then I will be eternally grateful. James was active and loved the outdoors, that's why I have chosen to swim the distance of the English channel.

I am more than sure someone in your family or close to you would have or maybe has suffered from a cardiovascular disease. Please help me raise money to try and shape the future of cardiovascular disease.

"You don't have to have a heart attack to help with cardiac research.....but being involved might just prevent you or someone else from having one".

Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels the four main types are ;

1.Coronary heart disease which can lead to angina, heart attacks and heart failure. 

2. Strokes and TIAs, this is where the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

3. Peripheral arterial disease this is when a blockage occurs in the arteries to the limbs.

4. Aortic disease which is a group of conditions affecting the aorta. This is the largest blood vessel in the body . Which carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. One of the most common aortic diseases is an aortic aneurysm, where the aorta becomes weakened and bulges outwards.

Every penny helps and anything you can donate will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading my reasons why and I will keep you updated on my progress as I take on the 33000 metres.

Thanks Catherine 😘 

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