We are chucking the chocolate and going on a DECHOX for the whole of March to help the British Heart Foundation fund its life saving heart research. That means absolutely no chocolate bars, no chocolate cake, no choccy biscuits with my tea, not even any chocolate sprinkles on my cappuccino are allowed. And that’s why I need your help.

On the 27th February 2016 my dad headed out to watch Saints (St Johnstone) as he does ever Saturday. Mum never expected the call she received from the police in Aberdeen. 

Near the end of the second half dad had collapsed and was in cardiac arrest. With amazing teamwork of a group of people including paramedics, club doctor, first aiders and the policeman they saved dad's life. 

Followed up with the care of the staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary dad had stents put in and is now recovering well. Dad and the rest of our family can never thank all of them enough we still have a very special husband, dad and grandad. 

Dad left the house that day not feeling unwell and with no known heart problems. It turns out that his heart attack and cardiac arrest were due to genetics, he is a healthy man who has always looked after himself. I found it hard to believe this could happen to him.  

The work of the British Heart Foundation is important to find out why these things happen. Also they promote the need for defibrillators. Less than 10% of people who have a cardiac arrest outside hospital make it to hospital discharge. 

We know how lucky Dad was to be where he was that day and I'd like to see defibrillators in many more places. 

With a 6 month old baby who doesn't much like sleep and a house move on the cards no chocolate will be a challenge especially for chocoholic Owen and my liking of hot chocolate! 

Thanks for reading anything you can give doesn't matter how small will be appreciated. 

Lynsey and Owen x