As most of you will know, over the past few months our Dad Heath Barron was critically ill in hospital for over nine weeks on life support. He has fought through the unimaginable. What followed was nothing short of a miracle — and a testament to both his strength and the extraordinary staff who cared for him.

Dad was rushed in and admitted to Morriston Coronary Care Unit, after suffering three heart attacks, one of which tore a large 2cm hole in his heart. He was given a 50% chance of survival. He suffered four cardiac arrests, was placed in a coma three times, and spent three weeks in intensive care. His condition was beyond critical — and yet, against the odds, he survived.

Thanks to the heroic efforts of the doctors, nurses, paramedics, and surgical teams, during his time at Morriston, Dad has received; 2 stents, kidney dialysis, 2 intra-aortic balloon pumps, 8 blood transfusions, more than 20 defibrillator shocks (which resulted in breaking every rib and sternum) pneumonia, 3 induced coma’s and he spent 3 weeks in Cardiac ITU. Dad needed urgent open heart surgery to repair the Ventricular Septal defect, which after an incredible 6 hour long attempt by the surgeons, sadly failed and the VSD reopened. Dad had his final surgery to close the hole with a VSD device closure, which was a success. Dad underwent cardiac rehabilitation and physiotherapy, where he relearned to walk again. His strong will, determination and courage is what got him through.

The fight to save our Dad’s life involved countless hours, skill, compassion, and tireless dedication. A special thank you to the outstanding Dr Syed Salim Mujtaba, Dr Afzal Zaidi, Dr Geraint Jenkins, Dr Mark Turner, and Dr Ayush Khurana — you didn’t just operate on our Dad. You gave him his life back. You gave us our Dad back.

We will never be able to repay you for the attentive care and treatment you gave Dad and no amount of words will ever be enough to express our gratitude to the entire team at Morriston Coronary Care Unit and Cardiac Intensive Therapy Unit, but we are determined to try.

On Saturday 2nd August 2025, we will be taking on a 17-mile walk from Morriston Hospital to Kenfig Hill Fire Station, to raise funds for the very people who saved his life. Every penny raised will go directly to the departments that made the impossible, possible.

We’re asking from the bottom of our hearts: please donate. No amount is too small. Your contribution will help fund the life-saving work of these everyday heroes and ensure more families get to share the same miracle we did.

In addition to this.. we’re not just walking to raise money, we’re walking to raise awareness. Heart attacks and VSD (Ventricular Septal Defects) are serious, often fatal conditions. Recognising the symptoms early and seeking urgent help can mean the difference between life and death. We encourage everyone to learn the signs and act fast. It really can save a life.

More information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/

Thank you for reading, for donating, and for supporting us in honouring those who gave us the greatest gift we could ask for - more time with our Dad. Because of their fast approach and round-the-clock care, he’s now able to watch his Grandson growing up. And that, to us, is worth its weight in gold.

With love and gratitude,

The Barron Family