Heart patient Debbie’s inspiring Valversary Swimathon
February is Heart Month and one of our cardiac patients truly has a heart of gold.
Debbie James had open heart surgery on 3 May 2022 to address a dangerous failing valve.
She’s been so impressed by our Croydon Cardiac Rehabilitation team that she’s raising money for our Croydon Health Charity ’s dedicated Cardiac Rehab Fund.
Debbie said:
“The Cardiac Rehab team gave me the confidence that I needed to push myself to be able to embark on this Valversary Swimathon.
“My plan is to swim at least 1 mile (64 lengths of a 25m pool) once a week over the next 3 months doing my last mile on my Valversary - 3rd of May 2023.
“I did my first mile on Friday last week and I know it will be tough, but I can push myself safely. If I get enough sponsors I may try to swim 1- 2 miles a week and end up swimming the equivalent of the English Channel!”
Hayley Osborn, a Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Specialist at the Trust, said:
“Debbie’s fantastic and no one’s more proud of her than our team, who are always here to help patients understand and manage their heart conditions”
If you would like to donate to Debbie, you can here on her JustGiving page . We’re excited to see that she’s already raised £170 towards her £500 target. Well done to Debbie and the Cardiac Rehab team!
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