Mums who underwent surgery for heart conditions urge people to jump in the saddle - The Leamington Observer

Mums who underwent surgery for heart conditions urge people to jump in the saddle

Leamington Editorial 14th May, 2019   0

MUMS who underwent surgery for heart conditions are urging people to jump in the saddle to raise money for life-saving research.

Fleur Hay, from Leamington and Angela Flynn, from Bishops Itchington, will be taking part in the British Heart Foundation’s annual Warwickshire Bike Ride on Sunday May 19.

The pair, both members of the charity’s Warwick fund-raising group, hope the ride will raise money and awareness.

Mum-of-one Fleur underwent open heart surgery three times after being born with a hole in her heart.




She lived a normal life until being diagnosed with septicaemia in her teens, leaving her in hospital for months. Three years later doctors found her heart was enlarged and she needed open heart surgery to relieve the pressure.

A valve was later damaged and needed further surgery, and a third operation was needed when she had a rare, potentially fatal infection in her heart.


The 47-year-old said: “Thanks to surgery, I’m able to live an active life. I plan to cycle for the charity as I feel it’s the least I can do.”

And mum-of-one Angela will be running a stall at the event to spread awareness.

The 45-year-old was living a healthy and active lifestyle three years ago when she suffered a heart attack.

She said: “I was at work and I first mistook my symptoms for indigestion. It did not improve so I visited my GP, who carried out tests. It was then I was told how serious it could be and was rushed to hospital.”

Angela underwent emergency surgery and discovered she had blockages in all three of her coronary arteries. Stents were fitted to improve the blood supply to her heart.

She added: “It was a shock to find out I had a heart attack. I’m now managing my condition with medication, diet and exercise.

“My experience inspired me to join the charity’s fundraising group in Warwick, so it can continue its pioneering research to find cures, treatments and preventions for heart and circulatory disease.

“I hope my story will inspire people to take part in the Warwickshire Bike Ride to help fund this life-saving research.”

The bike ride will take place from Wroxall and cyclists have the choice of riding 16 or 32 mile routes.

Visit www.bhf.org.uk to find out more.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Leamington Observer newspaper.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Leamington Observer.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.