"Life after surgery"

In 2002 and 03 had hip replacements. After 03 replacement and recovering fitness decided after two years walking with a stick that it was time to try to get back on my cycle. Although cycled as a kid did not take up cycling till after marriage break up, cycling helped my mind and body. A year later I cycled lands end to john o groats raising 750 pounds for local charity.

Starting again after hip replacement very stiff at first but with a bit of pain and a lot of effort once again enjoyed leafy lanes of essex in 2006 while cycling the twenty mile round trip to work I had a heart attack, was told aortic valve may need replacing I got worse and had to retire as not fit for work. had surgery valve replacement, bypass and hole in the heart. This was 8 weeks ago and getting fitter every day.

I have the utmost respect and praise for staff, my life would be poor at best as my dad died at 52. It could have been me. I thanked my surgeon for saving my life and can look forward to more active life because of what Basildon hospital have done for me.