Warwickshire man who was told his heart was dying completes 150-mile fundraiser for Help for Heroes
HAVING nearly died of a heart attack in March, Richard Burnett has spent July on a 150-mile charity walk with three friends raising money for Help for Heroes.
The 53-year-old’s life changed dramatically when he set out for a walk on 17th March.
“I went on a walk with my daughters along the canal at Fenny Compton,” said Richard, who lives in Lighthorne Heath. “The walk started out well and we were looking forward to exploring a new route, however, I began to feel poorly and we had to stop.”
He added: “We went home, as I thought it was nothing serious, but the girls realised quickly that I was suffering from the symptoms of a heart attack. Luckily they are both first aid trained and called 999.
“Although I can’t remember this, I’ve been told I was deteriorating rapidly. My youngest daughter told the call handler and was advised the ambulance wouldn’t be there in time and it would be quicker to get me to hospital themselves.
“My oldest daughter then drove us to Warwick Hospital.”
Doctors diagnosed a heart attack and Richard was transferred to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.
“My family was told my heart was dying and they had five minutes to talk to me and calmly say goodbye to me in the ambulance, potentially for the last time, but to also tell me I would be fine.
“The doctors didn’t know if I’d make it or not, but I was being sent to Coventry hospital, which they said had the better equipped people to deal with my condition. The team there were incredible and got my ticker working again after fitting four stents and helping me with my initial recovery.”
Richard was eventually discharged and attended NHS rehab in Stratford which helped him recover his fitness, both physically and mentally.
While on the road to recovery, Richard’s thoughts turned to helping others by raising money for charity, so he discussed his ideas with family and colleagues who all supported him.
The result was the formation of the Trident Marauders and a series of charity walks throughout July aiming to raise £600 for Help for Heroes.
“Myself and a group of colleagues, who are also friends, have chosen to support the charity because we all value and appreciate the commitments of those who have previously and are currently serving within our armed forces,” Richard said.
As well as Richard, the Trident Marauders includes Dave Bartholomew, Peter King and Lee Thomas who work within the Warwickshire College Group.
“My colleagues have been instrumental in my recovery progress and my mental wellbeing after the shock of my experience. We hope to raise £600 and donations can still be made until 10th August. So far we have raised £545 and we couldn’t be more thankful and humbled by the support and kindness we have received,” Richard said.
The walks range from five to 12 miles and have included routes around Kineton, Gaydon, Lighthorne Heath, Long Itchington, Whitnash, Radway, Southam and Stratford.
To donate, visit www.facebook.com/donate/1631558474087228.
