I’m Steve and here’s my story – Please take a minute to read.

11 Years ago, I went for a free health check at Dyffryn Taf, Whitland, which was put on by The Mason family, to raise awareness after tragedy struck their family, and they lost their Son, Brother, Husband & Dad. 😢

During this scan, it picked up some abnormalities, which led to a 10 minute scan turning into a 2 Hour examination.

After further examination I was referred to Morriston Hospital, where I underwent more scans and tests. I met with the consultant who explained I had something know as a “bi-cuspid heart valve”. This means I have 2 outlets on my aortic valve instead of 3, something I was born with but has never been picked up before.

Along with this The valve itself was leaking slightly, and could be causing damage to the aortic arch and root.

The consultant also informed me that I also had a dilated Aorta, just to throw something else at me 😂.

I am having 12 monthly checks, and the consultant is keeping an eye on things, and eventually I will need an operation to repair and replace the things they have told me.

Without The Mason Family, and CRY, this wouldn’t have been picked up. 😘

Since this happened my weight ballooned and I kind of went into the mindset of I’d never be able to do any sport or anything like that again.

💪 The last 6 months I’ve snapped out of that, and decided to start becoming more active again, and after my last consultation, was told I could go back to 7 a side football, and keep active providing I keep an eye on my heart rate…… so I have and I am. 💪

I have raced in 7 events in 2025 and my wife Abigail has raced 3 events, to raise money for this amazing charity, to help them gain funds to continue to be able to put on these free scans for people, so that they may be able to help other people.

The events I competed in were

Tenby Sand & Rock 10k

Long Course Weekend – Wales Half Marathon

Tenby Mayors 10k

Swansea Bay 10k

Saundersfoot Triathlon

Cardiff Half Marathon

Tenby Paul Satori 10k

The events my wife competed in were

Long Course Weekend – Wales 10k

Tenby Mayors 10k

Swansea Bay 10k

This in total from 2 just giving accounts raised a wonderful £1,654

Even though I looked healthy and blood pressure tests coming back normal, what’s underneath would never have been found without them, so this is my way of giving something back!