On the 24th-25th June I will be taking part in the Isle of Man Parish walk, an 85 mile walk around the Island. I am raising money and support for Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland - a charity which does incredible work and I hold very dear to my heart.

On the 11th of October 2016, my mum underwent emergency open heart surgery as her aorta split during what was meant to be a straight forward procedure. Thanks to the extraordinary work of hospital staff my mum battled through the odds and was able to start on the long road to recovery. 

This was a massive challenge for her but for anyone who has had the honor of meeting my mum will know what a fiercely strong and courageous woman she is. With every new day, new struggles appeared. This is where Aortic Dissection Awareness worked their magic. A group formed in 2016, made up of a network of some of the strongest people around - survivors & their families, who aren’t scared to tell their stories, gathered around mum and gave her light on some of the darkest days. 

They are the voice of Aortic Dissection patients in the UK & Ireland. Their work involves raising awareness of Aortic Dissection, providing vital information and support for patients and families affected by the condition, working with healthcare providers to improve diagnosis & treatment and reduce healthcare inequalities, and partnering with researchers to bring forward new insights that improve future care for Aortic Dissection patients.

Without their care, support and endless love my mum and our family wouldn’t have been able to get through this, we continue to push through challenges and become stronger everyday thanks to the phenomenal work done by this beautiful charity. 

Please have a look at their website to see more about the work and projects they are involved in and how to become a member. Please donate what you can to make sure Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland can continue to help and support survivors, like my mum.

THINK AORTA. 

Thank you