2007 CHALLENGES

Well its nearly February already. Last years fund raising total ended around £2400 which was a great effort. Thank you once more for all your support.

I'm still looking for the detail of what I'll get up to this year in the fund raising sphere. I'll still be increasing the physical challenges. The gym work is going well and I'll soon be looking at some walks during the spring. Of course the Walsall Fun Run will feature again ... perhaps the 10k this time!

I've got preliminary ideas for the summer. I fancy bagging a peak in the Italian Dolomites and some white water rafting in the Gorge Du Verdan (French Alpes Maritime). At some stage during the year I hope to get up Ben Nevis again (hopefully in better weather). More news soon.

FUND RAISING DINNER-BALL

Almost exactly a year after my half attack in Tunisia we celebrated Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges with a fund raising dinner - ball for Heart Care. It was a splendid evening I hope everyone had as good a time as I did!!

Thank you to family, friends, colleagues and staff and trustees from Heart Care who took time out and many travelled from distance to join us. A special thanks to Trish, Joyce, Eileen, Val and Sue for their help in organising and getting ready for the event; to Jayne, Matthew, Jason and Gary for their entertainment and to Chef and General Manager Mark Hughes and his staff at Lakeview for hosting us.

I would like to extend a further debt of thanks to the companies, organisations and individuals who donated the prizes for the event (detailed below) and offered other support of Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges: Swinnertons, Walsall; Lloyds Pharmacy Charitable Fund; Express and Star; Birmingham Evening Mail; Matthew Hart Photography; Dr Colin Flenley - Portland Medical Practice, Aldridge; Octave Music, Walsall;
The Fairlawns at Aldridge; Arbor Lights Restaurant, Walsall; Lydiate Spanish Restaurant, Walsall; Enoch Evans Solicitiors, Walsall; Francescos, Walsall;
The Hair Company, Four Oaks; LloydsTSB Bank, Walsall; Tesco, Walsall; Birmingham Hippodrome; Walsall Football Club; Maureen Rouse Florist, Aldridge; Morrisons, Walsall.

A rough reckoning on the evening enabled us to give a preliminary fund raising total for the Heart Challenges 2006 as £2086, however, there is still funding to come in and the final totals will be in the order of £2300. Mr Eric Watts, trustee from Heart Care kindly responded to the initial figure during the evening.

Altogether, this is a fantastic effort and I'm really proud at what has been achieved on this first fund raising venture. It's all the more pleasing that the challenges and the the dinner - ball have been such great fun to be involved with. Thank you all for your wonderful support. Peter.

PETER'S 2006 HEART CHALLENGES - FUND RAISING

Well all the physical challenges for 2006 are completed! (Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis scaled and the Walsall 5k Fun Run) It's a far cry from being in Kairoun in Tunisia during October half term 2005. I needed to be propped up by Trish and Jess and assisted to walk 10-15 paces at a time - it was pretty desperate. I don't think that immediately after the heart attack, angiogram and by-pass surgery I would of believed what has been achieved in 12 months. This has in no small measure been due to and supported by my weekly post rehabilitation aftercare training at Heart Care . These challenges have been good targets and markers of progress in my goal to renew fitness. More than this they have been important psychological milestones - I like challenges and doing things I don't like watching life pass by I like getting stuck in. Hopefully the coming years will again be full of such experiences and good memories.

We now look forward to a little breather and opportunity to celebrate the last year and spotlight Heart Care and their funding needs. The Dinner - Ball on the 21st October promises to be a memorable occasion. There a few remaining tickets available. Details of the event and tickets are available in the previous blogs below.

GIVING.
If you have collected sponsorhip for any or all of the challenges please do forward any monies as soon as possible. If you have been impressed at what this charity has enabled and would like to support the continued work of Heart Care and their rehabilitation programmes donations would be gratefully received. This funding really does make a difference and rebuilds the lives of those stricken by heart conditions and events. There is someone in virtually every family who has been or will be affected by heart problems.
Please forward cheques to 'Heart Care' (Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges) Reg Charity: 110902112 Portland Street Walsall West Midlands WS2 8AB. You can make this money really count if you are a UK tax payer. An extra 28p for every pound given can be claimed by either using a sponsor form (T:01922 624097) or ensuring you give your name and address stating that you are a UK tax payer and would like Heart Care to reclaim tax on your gift. Every £1 donation will then credit Heart Care with £1.28.

WALSALL FUN 5K RUN

After a celebrating a friend's 50th Birthday with a Marrakesh party last night it was hardly the best preparations for a Sunday morning run! However, despite the rain and dark grey clouds I set off with other hardy souls for the fun run. It was a good event and over a course I know well and can run comfortably. What I haven't been able to do yet is get up much speed! I came to the finish line in some 43 minutes! The slow pace is infuriating for me but just the way it is at this stage of recovery and possibly an effect of the medication. I know that had I'd chosen to do the 10k I'd have run at the same pace and would have finished in 90 minutes (I have done this about 4 times over recent months) but I didn't want everyone to have 'shut up shop' by the time I'd arrived at the finishing line. On the positive side my recovery is virtually instant after running and few aches or pains follow. So it's a matter of keeping up the training and rehabilitation with Heart Care investigating my medication and seeing if I can change gear next year.

WALSALL FUN RUN / WALK 1ST OCTOBER

Well it's just one week to go until the Fun Run / Walk. I am hoping you will consider joining Peter's Heart Challenge Team and either running or walking to raise funds for Heart Care. This will be a marvellous opportunity to give yourself a fun challenge whilst getting sponsors to support Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges. It's really easy. If you haven't already got a sponsor / donation form email me from the link in My Complete Profile or phone 01922 624097 and I'll get one to you. You'll get full entry details and event information from the Walsall Rotary Club Fun Run website http://www.rotary.org.uk/WalsallRun/Walsall-Run1stOct2006.htm and in the links section. You can pre register or sign up on the day.
Still undecided whether I'm up for the 5k or 10k it will all depend upon the day and how I'm feeling. Looking forward to seeing you there. Good luck!

DINNER BALL - 21ST OCTOBER

Thank you to all of you who have committed with your cash and secured your places... we have done well already. If you are coming and haven't paid yet we'd appreciate settlement asap ... this really eases matters to for us.
For ticket enquiries please see the previous blog entries.
Get those DJs and dresses dry cleaned and get ready for a lovely event!

BEN NEVIS SUCCESS! - THREE PEAKS COMPLETED

After a last minute change because of weather forecasts we hit the slopes of Ben Nevis on Sunday 17th at around 10am.

The summit was reached in dreadful conditions at around 2.30pm. However, rain, low cloud, poor visibility couldn't dampen our joy at reaching the top. After climbing the summit trig point for obligatory photographs we sat amongst the ruins of the observatory and sheltered from the wind and rain whilst surveying the peak bothy, the numerous memorials and summit cairns.

The descent was strenuous, slippery and taxing on the knees. We arrived wet through but elated. After some time warming up in the base bar we were able to get back to our hotel for well a earned bath, hot food and dry clothes.

I'm glad to say that we got the hydration right this time and the cooler weather helped considerably.

I must thank my sister Joyce and Dr Colin Flenly for accompanying me on this challenge and making these last few days so memorable and enjoyable. Their encouragement and support have been wonderful. In addition we all enjoyed the company of other walkers, climbers and guides we met from HF (Holiday Fellowship) Holidays.

The 3 peaks challenges have all been milestones on my road to recovery and fitness. Each one has taken me to new levels. I'm under no illusions that I still have more to do but extremely proud at what has been achieved so far.I'm gradually moving from 'plod-plod' to being able to change gear a little more easily. The real test for this will probably be the fun run!.. (are you in training?!)

DINNER / BALL TICKETS

Just a reminder to get those tickets booked. We need a firm commitment by the 21st of September so that we can finalise tables and arrangements with the venue. Now you wouldn't want the stress and worry to prompt another heart attack would you?! Details below in the previous blog entry.
If anyone can access or offer any prizes suitable for the raffle please do get in touch. We're doing very nicely but the more the merrier.
It should be a great night (and morning!) ... now where did I put my dinner suit?

DAME JAYNE'S 'OBITUARY' & 'LESSONS IN LOVE'

Jayne Hardy is my extraordinarily talented niece... an actor, singer a writer, producer and director. Jayne lives and works in London building a fine reputation for the quality of her writing, production, direction and performance skills. Her credits include stage, film and TV. In amongst her busy schedule she has developed her own 'one man' shows based around a character called 'Dame Jayne'. I am absolutely humbled that she will be dedicating her evening with Dame Jayne's - 'An Obituary' on 17th September STOP PRESS: additional date now 19th November - Dame Jayne's - 'Lessons in Love' to Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges together with the some proceeds from the performances.
The venue is the Battersea Barge ... a really unusual, initimate and atmospheric floating stage (click on the link below and take the virtual tour). If you live in London or are around at this time please do go along and support Jayne's work, Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges and Heart Care. I should be there watching myself on the 17th but I will of course be tackling a certain Scottish mountain! STOP PRESS: New date means I can be there on the 19th ...great!

Dame Jayne's

'AN OBITUARY''

Back again by public demand

8pm Sunday 17th September.

STOP PRESS: additional performance Sunday 19th November - 'Lessons in Love'

Tickets: £5 on the door

Battersea Barge

Ninelms Lane

SW8 5BP

www.batterseabarge.com

FUND RAISING DINNER / BALL 21ST OCTOBER

The planning for the dinner / ball is getting into its stride. Inevitably things are complex and subject to tight deadlines whether its tickets, menus or the evenings organisation. First and foremost is getting the tickets sold. We're aiming at 130 people for an evening dinner / ball.

The venue is Lakeview at Calderfields Golf Club. It's a nice setting and and well used to dealing with such events. The night will be Black tie and offer the opportunity to dress up for a special occasion. We will be able to party through to 1.45 am.

Tickets are priced at £35 and will provide a really good night out whilst supporting the work of Heart Care. There will be tables of 10 so the event will be suitable for groups of families, friends or colleagues as well as couples and singles. Book your tickets now!

The key details:

Peter's 2006 Heart Challenge Charity Fund Raising Dinner / Ball
Tickets £35
In Support of Heart Care
Saturday 21st October 7.30 pm - 1.45 am
Dress:
Black Tie
Venue:
Lakeview at Calderfields
Aldridge Road
Walsall
West Midlands
WS4 2JS

Tickets available
T: 01922 624097
E: humfs@blueyonder.co.uk
Due to limits on numbers and payment timelines places are offered on a first come first served basis so please respond asap before our deadline of the 21st September (this will also cut down the organisational stress at this end!).

LOOKING AHEAD - WALSALL FUN RUN / WALK, BEN NEVIS & FUND RAISING BALL

It's a good time to be thinking ahead to the Walsall Fun Run / Walk 1st October Arboretum Extension 1100 start. The fun run is the final challenge in my 2006 Heart Challenges. By the time of the run I will hopefully have scaled all three of Britain's Highest peaks... Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis as well as having completed the Heart Care walk. I've yet to decide whether I'll do the 5km or 10km - it will depend how my summer training goes!

I am hoping you will consider joining Peter's Heart Challenge Team and either running or walking to raise funds for Heart Care. This will be a marvellous opportunity to give yourself a fun challenge whilst getting sponsors to support Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges. It's really easy. If you haven't already got a sponsor / donation form email me from the link in My Complete Profile or phone 01922 624097 and I'll get one to you. You'll get full entry details and event information from the Walsall Rotary Club Fun Run website http://www.rotary.org.uk/WalsallRun/Walsall-Run1stOct2006.htm and in the links section. You can pre register or sign up on the day.

The ascent of Ben Nevis (4408 feet / 9 miles) is actually my next challenge on the 18th September preceded on the 17th by a 'warm up' on the summit of Sgorr Dhearg (3380 feet / 8 miles) . I'm really looking forward to this one and hoping that the waether will continue to look kindly on us. As usual I'll post more details nearer the time.

The final event of this 2006 challenge year will be the Fund Raising Dinner / Ball. Get the 21st October into your diary. The venue will be the Lake View Resturant and Banqueting Suite at Calderfields Golf Course, Walsall. More details shortly but don't forget to snap up your tickets early!

GIVING. All of the challenges have sponsor forms if you wish to gain wider support (again just contact me if you need any) and if you would like to make donations then please forward cheques to:'HEART CARE' (PETER'S 2006 HEART CHALLENGES) Reg Charity: 110902112 PORTLAND STREETWALSALLWEST MIDLANDSWS2 8AB The sponsor forms allow you to request that Heart Care can claim back 28p in every pound if you are UK tax payers - this really adds to your gift. If you forward donation cheques without sponsor forms ensure you give your name, address and state that you are UK tax payers and would like Heart Care to reclaim the tax on your gift.

SCAFELL PIKE - MORE

When you're faced with challenges, imposed or of your own making it often brings out 'character'. Stubborness and dogged determination are Humphreys family qualities. They were needed in the heat of the ascent of Scafell as they were in responding to last years events and the subsequent path of recovery. I'm sure these won't be the last I confront in my life but it gives me confidence to know I can dig deep when needs must. Everyone who engages the support of Heart Care picks themselves up from devasting and life changing blows. They are helped readjust mentally and physically - rebuilding confidence for the life ahead of them.

Please help me to support Heart Care's work. Details of how you can give are listed below in previous posts.

SCAFELL PIKE 'TOPPED'

The highest mountain in England finally to succumbed to the second of Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges at 3.30pm on the 15th July. We'd been walking for some five and half hours in 30 degrees plus of sweltering heat.

Thinking back to October / November last year when I could barely walk ten to 15 paces this is a remarkable turned around. I cannot thank the surgical teams at Newcross Hospital and the Heart Care Rehabiltation Charity enough for their part in my continued recovery and quest for fitness.

My daughter Jess proved just what a fit little mountain goat she is skipping her way up the mountain without a second thought. Not having walked up mountains before my big sister Joyce is certainly proving that its never too late for your own challenge. Having scaled Snowdon she duly polished off Scafell Pike... even managing some scrambling in the process. John advanced onwards despite his shoe and sole parting company. Astonishingly duck tape provided a more than adequate fix on the return journey.

Like the ascent of Snowdon we were blessed with glorious weather and vistas. It was tough going in these conditions with some 3600 feet of ascent and 16.2 miles distance travelled on a circular route. We finally reached Seathwaite - our starting point at around half seven in the evening with the sun still shining and the air warm. We were desperate for water having understimated just how much we might have needed and had become dehydrated over the final miles back down into the valley. Nonetheless nothing could dampen the spirits and the real sense of achievement in this challenge. We swiftly evacuated to Keswick for some well earned refreshment!

My appreciation goes out to all those who accompanied me on this trip and once again to Simon and Adam who took care of the planning, safety, route finding and importantly the well-being of the party.

More pictures to follow

ARRANGEMENTS FOR SCAFELL PIKE WALK 15TH JULY

Time is rapidly approaching for the second of my 3 peaks challenge. Scafell Pike the highest mountain in England. There is general link about the mountain in the links section and another in this post.
Simon and Adam have sorted out arrangements... I am really grateful for their support again. The walk will be circular starting and ending at the village of Seathwaite Scafell Pike Route.
We aim to begin the walk at 0900... another early start as it is a three and half hour journey from the West Midlands. Same arrangements as usual ... do let me know if you're joining us so that we can expect you.

WALSALL HEARTCARE WALK 2ND JULY

Having spent a lovely couple of days in London with the family I was hoping for an easy Saturday night in. However, Ben and Jess persuaded me to join them at an accoustic gig in Birmingham. This turned out to be a cracking night. It started with a stop off at the Custard Factory and an impromptu free concert by the Fratellies.. pretty good I have to say. Then off to a recording studio in Digbeth and a number of accoustic acts... great stuff. So to cut a long story short it ended in a late night and a shock realisation at 10.15am that I should be walking at 1100! Anyway we made it and had a lovely walk down the canal banks and Park Lime Pits nature reserve. It was such a lovely day we stopped for a drink at the Manor Arms and when we had just set off again for the return journey we bumped into some more friends and went back for another! So this explains why the picture is a little short on action but I assure you the walk was completed!
Thanks to Heart Care staff and volunteers for their organisation of the 4 mile trail.

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER

My daughter Jessica is a budding photographer. These are a couple of photographs she's taken for a local paper publicizing Peter's 2006 Heart Challenge. Not bad eh? (the bloke in the pictures is pretty good as well!)

THANK YOU, NEXT CHALLENGES AND GIVING

Well the memory of last Saturday still looms large in my mind... what a great day to climb Snowdon! I hope the other ascents are as lucky with the weather. Still no aches and pains - I must be fitter than I think! Whilst on Snowdon I had an amazing experience ... peering over precipitous slopes I suddenly realised I was not experiencing my usual life long struggle with heights - in fact I was quite relaxed. My only explanation is that it must be down to the heart medication I now take for blood pressure and heart rate or perhaps its related to coming so close to signing out of this world... I'm just cool about anything!

There are growing numbers who are in training for the Walsall Fun Run (Peter's Heart Challenge Team). I have updated the link for the Fun Run as this now covers the 2006 run. Details are still emerging but they are now offering a 10k and 5k (instead of 6k) and there will also be a 3 mile walk... something for everyone - get training! There is also great interest from people in joining me on the Ascent of Scafell Pike on 15th July. I will post details of arrangements and routes in due course but please contact me so that we are aware of you coming and to ensure you are kept up to date (my email details are in my complete profile).

At this point I want to say a massive thank you to all those who have given their support and best wishes for Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges. I know my experiences have encouraged many of you to get blood pressure, cholesterol check ups and to adapt diet and lifestyle and have deepened awareness of heart disease. Others are using the challenges as a stimulus to meeting their own targets to get fit, loose weight or face challenges they never expected to. Fund - raising has begun and the first donations have begun to roll in to Heart Care. This is marvellous and I really appreciate your giving.

A special thanks to my niece Jayne Hardy who is a very talented actress, singer, producer, director etc. She lives and works in London and has her own 'Dame Jayne' show. Jayne will be performing at the Battersea Barge shortly and has offered to donate some of the proceeds to the 2006 Heart Challenges. Brilliant stuff - thank you. I will post links and pictures later so that if you're in the Big Apple you might like to go along.

My next challenge will actually quite gentle and pleasant The Heart Care Sponsored Walk on the 2nd July. This will take place on Sunday 2nd and comprises a 4 mile walk through countryside, canal towpaths and a poolside walk. It begins at 1130 at the Dilke Pub on the Aldridge Road (next to Calderfields Golf Club between Aldridge and Walsall). Refreshments can be taken along the way and at the end of the walk. I can get sponsor forms for anyone wishes to take part or donations will be welcomed.

The complete list of Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges are detailed in the previous post below.

GIVING
All of the challenges have sponsor forms if you wish to gain wider support (again just contact me if you need any) and if you would like to make donations then please forward cheques to:

'HEART CARE' (PETER'S 2006 HEART CHALLENGES)
Reg Charity: 1109021
12 PORTLAND STREET
WALSALL
WEST MIDLANDS
WS2 8AB

The sponsor forms allow you to request that Heart Care can claim back 28p in every pound if you are UK tax payers - this really adds to your gift. If you forward donation cheques without sponsor forms ensure you give your name, address and state that you are UK tax payers and would like Heart Care to reclaim the tax on your gift.

SNOWDON ASCENT SUCCESS

Delighted to report that the first of Peter's 2006 Heart Challenges has been a great success! The top of Snowdon was reached around lunchtime yesterday.

An early 0600 start from the West Midlands with a breakfast stop at Rhug got us to Pen-Y-Pass only to find the car park was already full. We drove down the road to Llanberis and took an open topped shuttle bus up to our starting point.

The weather was glorious throughout... one of those rare occasions when Snowdon had 360 degrees of undisturbed and sunny vistas. We ascended via the Pyg Track taking plenty of liquid on board as we moved on up. There were some welcome gentle breezes with altitude but otherwise the sun and heat were unrelenting.

Despite the fact the Snowdon railway was not functioning the whole world appeared to be on the various trails and the summit! We had a great lunch on the top whilst surveying the sunkissed beaches of the Welsh coastline (did I really say that!).

We descended via the Miners Track to complete a really wonderful day. I'm glad to report that my fitness held and I had no ill- effects. This really underscores what Heart Care Rehabilitation and Aftercare programmes have and are doing for me... thank-you I really appreciate my second chance at life.

A massive thank you to everyone who came along to join me and particularly Simon and Adam who took responsibility for planning and seeing us through the day. It's really reassuring that we have people who know what they're doing on the mountains with us.

A special congratulations to my big sister, Joyce who had never done anything like this before in her life. The climb was challenge for her and a great achievement. I think she may have the bug - roll on Scafell Pike... England's highest peak! If anyone would like to join us for that ascent its on July 15th and details will be on the blog nearer the date. Do let us know if you are coming so that we can expect you. (my email details are in my profile). Again Adam and Simon are planning and leading the day.

More photographs will follow shortly... watch this space!

READY TO GO! - PETER'S 2006 HEART CHALLENGES

My fitness levels are still improving with the help of Heart Care... cycling, jogging, weights and rowing all on the menu at present.

Looking forward to the drier weather when I can get out and extend the jogging. Have done a few longer walks most notably the Kentmere Valley in the Lake District and the Malverns from North Quarry to British Camp and back.

We've just booked the date for the Fund-Raising Dinner - the 21st October. Get this in your diary.

The Peter's 2006 Heart Challenge List look like this at the moment.

Snowdon Ascent 17th June

Heart Care Sponsored Walk 2nd July

Scafell Pike Ascent 15th July

Ben Nevis Ascent 17th September

Walsall Fun Run 1st October

Fund-Raising Dinner 21st October

I will be distributing information, posters, links, sponsor forms around family, friend and work networks over the coming weeks. These will detail particular events and I'm hoping some of you can take time out to support my fundraising. You can do this in many ways...

1. Forwarding information to relatives, friends and colleagues ensuring they are aware of heart disease and encouraging them to adapt their lifestyles appropriately.
2. Joining me on fund raising challenges (the mountain walks Snowdon and Scafell Pike and the Walsall Fun Run are particularly appropriate).
3. Attending the October Fund Raising dinner.
4. You can make donations; gather sponsorship for me or for yourselves if you take part. All the appropriate forms are available from me via the email link in my complete profile on this page. You can take a Heart Challenge Poster and a collecting tin (again contact me to arrange) for your institution or workplace.

First Challenge - Snowdon Saturday 17th June.

We're planning to meet at the Pen Y Pass car park (A4086) at o900. We will use the Pyg and Miners tracks to summit and descend Snowdon. Get in touch if you would like to join us so that we can expect you.

I ended October 2005 unable to walk more than 10-15 paces, I have recently jogged 10km (6 miles) very very slowly. I’ve got a long way to go but I’m already very encouraged. Help me to inspire others to look to the future and to develop the invaluable service Heart Care offers.

2006 HEART CHALLENGES

I'm currently working on a number of challenges to be completed before the 12 month anniversary of my heart bypass operation. I've recently finished a thirteen week rehabilitation programme with Walsall Heartcare. This has started the process of regaining my fitness. Don't be too impressed by the photo here ... this is the Swiss Alps (pre heart problems) cable cars are wonderful! Over the coming months however, I will climb the three highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland. These will give some focus to getting into shape.

Snowdon ascent 17th June.
Scafell Pike ascent 15th July.
Ben Nevis ascent 17th September.
In addition I hope to complete the Walsall Heartcare Annual Sponsored Walk 2nd July, the Walsall Fun Run 1st October and teach Yoga during the winter period. We will finish year one off with a celebratory Fund Raising Dinner around the end of October or early November.

Wherever possible I am encouraging family, friends, work colleagues and heart patients to join in the various challenges and either to commit donations or raise funds for the Heartcare Charity. In doing so I hope everyone will understand more about looking after their own heart and inspire others to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

Hopefully we'll have sorted the various donation and fund raising arrangements by the beginning of June and you will be able to show your support. Until then if you want any information contact me via the email link in my complete profile.

I will publish more details shortly so please keep returning for updates.

HEART SHOCKS

At 49 years in the space of four weeks during the winter 2005 I incurred three major shocks: … Holidaying in Tunisia I thought I had stomach bug, I subsequently found out it was associated with a heart attack. … I was given an angiogram and discovered my arteries were significantly blocked, that my heart had been at some fifty per cent functioning and that it had suffered some minor permanent damage. … I had a triple by-pass operation.

How could I be a victim without major risk factors (… cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, overweight, high blood pressure or family history)?

It was explained to me that the disease had probably built up over 20-30 or more years… it hadn’t happened overnight. I was just one of the unlucky few for whom an obvious answer is not possible. It was also made clear that my fitness and general health had in fact postponed the event over many years and certainly contributed to my survival of the heart attack. I was lucky to have returned from North Africa alive!