On August 2nd 2025, during a Hyrox session at Anatomic Fitness Castleknock, I suffered a ‘widow maker’ heart attack which lead to a cardiac arrest. It’s not what you ever expect to happen as a healthy and fit 46 year old father of 3!

Were it not for the good fortune to have around me several nurses (including a cardiac nurse!) in addition to the fast response of the DFB ambulance crew (shout out to Peter and Conrad from DFB Phibsborough!) my outcome would have been quickly fatal. Blessed is the only word for it.

In the weeks that followed I was further blessed to have been nursed back to health by the team at the Connolly Hospital Cardiac Rehab unit. The work they do is so important in getting people of all ages and backgrounds to succeed in rebuilding their confidence and capacity to return to a normal and full life post cardiac event. Additionally, I’m raising funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. Towards the end of my cardiac rehab programme I was able to avail of counselling services that I found hugely beneficial in coming to terms with what happened. A heart attack and cardiac arrest is a traumatic event and the Irish Heart Foundation provide a range of invaluable support services funded entirely from donations and public support.

We only have one heart to live by and love by. It’s so very easy to take for granted the path of life we are on and think that ‘it’ll never happen to me!’ Only until that path is upended do we see the people whose vocation it is to guide, support and encourage us back to health. They are life’s angels who unfortunately do this amazing work in circumstances of significant under funding.

On behalf of myself, my wife Karen and my 3 children, we would very much appreciate any support you can offer to benefit both the Connolly Hospital Cardiac Rehab Unit and the Irish Heart Foundation, and any donation will help make a huge impact.

On Friday 10th April I will be taking part in a solo Tryka 500 fitness race event in the RDS Dublin. All I want to do is get to the finish line - there’s no world records or PB’s being chased here! You can get over life’s challenges with the right people in your corner… I’m so very grateful to be able to say that the support and encouragement I got from everyone in the community was overflowing… so this is my way of giving just a little bit back.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Irish Heart Foundation: The Irish Heart Foundation is Ireland’s national heart and stroke charity, and we are a community of people who fight to protect the cardiovascular health of everyone in Ireland.

Our mission is to eliminate preventable death and disability from heart disease and stroke and to support and care for those living with these life-changing conditions.

To Kate, Anna, Shane and all the team in Connolly Hospital cardiac care unit. Big Love and Massive Thanks ❤️