In November 2022, whilst out hiking the Wainwrights on my own, I suffered a major Heart Attack completely out of the blue at the age of 48.

I was in a remote area, Sergeant's Crag summit, when the attack happened. I managed to start making my way towards Langstrath Valley floor, before I just couldn't go any further.

Luckily, after about 30mins, I managed to attract the attention of a hiking couple by using a whistle and torch. They came up to my aid and were able to go and get help from the nearest place, The Langstarth Inn at Stonethwaite around 2 miles away.

It was a bit of a shock when I saw the GNAAS flying up the valley and looking for a place to put down (see cover photo), the helicopter perched on the hillside and it wasn't long before Dr Izzy Freshwater and Paramedic Lee Salmon were by my side. They set to work, performing an ECG, confirming I was indeed having a Heart Attack and administering pain relief / first aid.

Keswick mountain rescue were now also in attendance and I was being prepared for a challenging stretcher carry over steep, rough terrain and across a number of becks in spate to reach the waiting helicopter. Luckily (again) a few minutes later the Coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon, North Wales, appeared above and I was able to be winched aboard.

20 minutes later I was at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Blackpool. The blockage in my LAD Artery was cleared and stented.

It has been a long road to recovery, I have been left with quite a bit of damage to my Heart leading to Heart Failure and Heart Block, 2 years on I'm yet to get back into the fells only managing short, level walks of 1-2 miles.

In September 2024 I was fitted with a CRT-D (Pacemaker/Defibrillator) which has significantly improved things to the point that I feel I can take on this challenge throughout January.

Without the GNAAS, Mountain Rescue, Coastguard and of course the many DRs and Nurses of the NHS I wouldn't be here today.

84 miles. One month. Do you think you could take on our Walk the Wall challenge?

Hadrian’s Wall Path stretches over two of the regions we serve, starting at Bowness-on-Solway and ending at Wallsend. The ancient wall stretches through Cumbria’s stunning landscape, passes an array of historic landmarks, and even runs through Newcastle’s city centre (perfect location for a pitstop pint!).

And together, we’re going to take on those miles – wherever you may be. In January, our teams will respond to approximately 152 callouts, and every step you take, will help them get to people in need.

Ready to start next year with a spring in your step?