Tom's story

On the 31st October 2023, I was rushed to the Royal Brompton Hospital after being diagnosed with an aortic dissection which required emergency intervention. This involved a 12-hour open heart surgery to insert a mechanical heart valve necessary to save my life.

Prior to this I had no signs or awareness that I had a bicuspid aortic valve or a coarctation of the aorta both of which contributed to my aortic dissection. Prior to this I had lived a happy healthy life with no health problems and working in professional sport

After my surgery I spent the next month in hospital and having another procedure to stent my aorta which came with ups and downs and support from those closest to me! My partner Emma was my true inspiration to keep fighting through those tough moments and her unwavering support kept me motivated to get out of hospital and start my rehabilitation.

Emma was with me every step of the way through my rehabilitation and wholeheartedly supported everything I did and always went above and beyond. By March I was comfortably running 5km, we then decided we wanted to give something back and the London marathon gave us the perfect opportunity to raise awareness, raise money and use our story as a vehicle to help support others who are going through what we went through!

My aim of the marathon is not only to raise money but to help raise awareness for congenital heart disorders and their impacts. I want people young and old who go through procedures like this to realise they can get active again and not let it get in the way of living a full life.

I hope my fundraising and marathon attempt inspires others to get moving and if they don’t feel right to get themselves checked.