Thinking about how to start this story has been difficult, because it's not my story to tell and anyone who knows my partner Joe will know he treasures his privacy and so I feel honoured and proud to share it with you. 

Joe was diagnosed with an Aortic Aneurysm in October 2020.  For anyone who is aware of this condition will also know it's called the silent killer, because you only normally discover you have it by accident or when it's too late.

Joe's condition was diagnosed after he was violently attacked outside our home by people trying to steal our car.  He was taken to hospital to check for internal injuries and the scan identified his Aortic Aneurysm.

To say that Joe has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions through this is an understatement.  He not only had to deal with the trauma of the violent attack to then realising that if it wasn't for the attack, he wouldn't have known about the Aneurysm which gone undiagnosed, could have killed him.

Now Joe is on medication and with regular scanning & screening he can lead a relatively normal life with some adjustments, although he may need surgery in the future. 

I've not always known how to support or understand what Joe is going through and at times I've buried my head in the sand, but the information and research from the British Heart Foundation has been really helpful and answered a lot of questions about the condition and how to live with it.  It also helped Joe realise that other symptoms he was experiencing was related to his heart condition and also understanding potential contributing factors.

One thing I realised I could do, was raise money by throwing myself around a Tough Mudder course - something I've not done for 7 years, to raise money that will go towards research and supporting other people, so please give whatever you can to this amazing cause it would mean the world to Me and my Partner Joe, who I am incredibly proud of.