This year I have decided to take on the personal challenge of running the Leeds Half Marathon for Take Heart, Yorkshire Heart Centre Based at Leeds Teaching Hospital. I started running 9 months ago as a hobby and although have participated in races, I have never taken on a challenge quite as big as this one! eeek! I have chosen Take Heart charity for personal reasons as a dear friend and colleague of mine Karen suffered a heart attack last year, resulting in life changing consequences. Please read Karen’s story below to see how Take Heart has helped Karen’s recovery and how your donation will help benefit the lives of many others in the future. In September 2013 I suffered a heart attack. The cause of this was unusual and contributed to complications during coronary angioplasty which resulted in me having an emergency triple bypass. My time during surgery was difficult with an equally difficult period post operatively. If it had not been for the skill and knowledge of key professionals and the care of numerous other people I would have died. I could never have imagined that this could have happened to me. It makes you realise just how lucky we are to have the health service we have in the UK and one that I am proud to work in myself. My thanks goes to all those who in some way have contributed to my care from the cardiologist, cardiovascular surgeon, cardiac intensive care team, nursing staff, theatre staff, rehab team, through to those who took the time to donate blood, the radiography teams and the ambulance service. The list as I’m sure you can imagine, is in reality much longer. Dewsbury District Hospital, Pinderfields General Hospital and the Leeds General Infirmary have all played their role in the care I received. Thanks inevitably also extends to my family, friends and work colleagues who have been supportive throughout, I will be forever grateful. During my stay at the Leeds General Infirmary I experienced the benefits of money raised by the Take Heart Charity for cardiac patients and their families. For example being able to go to the roof top garden was a welcome break from the ward and the use of the bedside phone allowed me to keep in touch with family. Recently the charity has been able to refurbish rooms for families to stay should they need accommodation to be close by to their relative. This is especially important when people have to travel some distance to visit during a difficult period when their loved one may be critically ill. Money raised is also used to provide vital equipment. To show recognition of the work the Take Heart Charity does and to say thank you, a dear colleague and friend Marie Turton will be running the Leeds Half Marathon on Sunday 11 th May and will be donating money raised from any sponsorship to the Take Heart Charity. I would therefore be grateful to all those who could not only wish her lots of luck and encouragement but also dig deep and sponsor her. A big thank you to Marie, for being so thoughtful and using the opportunity to raise money for a worthwhile charity. Go on girl, you can do it. Love and thanks Karen x Thank you Marie. We are very grateful. Take care and good luck! Colin Pullan, MBE - Chairman SPONSOR MARIE BY CLICKING HERE: http:/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarieTurton