On 28th November 2024, Ben will be preparing to undergo life changing open heart surgery.

This news comes after Ben’s wonderful Auntie Wendy suffered a devastating cardiac arrest at age 57, back in December 2015. Having previously been fit and well, Wendy’s death came as a huge shock. Her post mortem revealed a hereditary form of mitral valve prolapse.

The whole family were tested for the condition, leading to Ben’s diagnosis. Since then, he has had yearly scans, but unfortunately his condition has deteriorated and is now severe, requiring surgery.

This is life changing but life saving surgery for Ben, and while we still mourn his aunts passing, we have to count ourselves lucky to have known about Ben’s condition.

I’ve never done any sort of cycling before (evidenced by the fact I don’t even own a bike), let alone a cycling challenge like this, but this is for Ben. I am also cycling in memory of Ben’s Auntie Wendy and my Pappou (Grandad).

I would be so grateful for any donations, all of which will be going to the British Heart Foundation to help fund scientific research.

Thank you for reading. Molly x