I'm fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service

The Heart Attack — A Second Chance at Life

In April 2022, my life changed in a way I could never have imagined.

I suffered a heart attack, and suddenly everything became very serious, very quickly. I was flown to Sydney by the Royal Flying Doctor Service — the RFDS — an organisation that played a huge part in giving me the chance to still be here today.

Once I arrived in Sydney, the doctors discovered just how serious my condition was. I underwent five coronary bypasses and an aortic valve replacement.

It was major surgery, and it quite literally saved my life.

When you go through something like that, it changes the way you look at life. You realise just how precious every day is, and how many people — some you know and many you don't — played a part in keeping you alive.

The RFDS, the doctors, nurses, surgeons, hospital staff, my family and so many others became part of my story.

And that leaves me with a feeling that has stayed with me ever since:

It's time to pay it back — or, perhaps more importantly, pay it forward.

I was given another chance.

Now I want to use that chance to help others wherever I can.