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 The way
I discovered I had the syndrome was by complete chance. I had been out surfing
in Cornwall and that evening had really bad chest pains. At the time I thought I
was having some kind of heart attack as the pain was so severe. On returning
home I got checked out and was told that it was Pericarditis. At the follow up
appointment I had an ECG and it came back as abnormal, from there I saw a number
of doctors until I saw a specialist in long QT syndrome. A blood test was taken
and almost a year later it was confirmed that I did have the syndrome.
I was told that I would have to
take a beta blocker each day and my specialist then reeled off a long list of
potentially dangerous things for my syndrome. The one that stuck in my head was
not swimming in the sea; this was interesting as at the time I was working as a
Surf Instructor and Beach lifeguard!
To be completely honest and
without wanting to sound arrogant or complacent I haven’t changed much since I
was diagnosed with the syndrome. I have a faith in God and believe that he has
my number and when my time is up, I will get to run around in heaven. Life is
too short to worry. My family is my life. I have a two year old daughter called
Poppy and my wife Miranda is pregnant with our second baby due in October.
I look after myself and so don’t
drink alcohol or caffeine. I exercise everyday and love pushing my body to the
limit. One of my favourite moments is when I finish a race or event and I get to
present Poppy with my medal.
 In April
I ran my third London Marathon, I ran for CRY and feel compelled to help people
understand that despite having long QT syndrome it doesn’t have to stop you
enjoying life and competing in events whatever sport you enjoy.
This August I will be competing
in my third London Triathlon hoping to get in under 2hrs 20mins.
I have completed charity bike
rides from John O’Groats to Lands End, Calais to Nice and in a few weeks I am
cycling from Nice to Naples. I coach Cricket, Football and Tennis to young
people in North Devon and love the way sport can teach valuable life skills and
bring the best out in people.
Long QT syndrome
doesn’t have to stop you doing what you love. For me it makes me realise who I
am and it makes me feel alive.
If you would like to contact one of our
Representatives or a Bereavement Supporter please call the CRY office at 01737 363222 or e-mail cry@c-r-y.org.uk
and we will put you in touch with someone who may be able to help
you.
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