London to Paris cycle to raise heart charity awareness by Oswaldtwistle trustee

Pat Kahn, who is a trustee at Only Foals and Horses in Oswaldtwistle, underwent life-saving heart valve surgery.

She is now a patient ambassador for Heart Valve Voice (HVV) and is looking to raise awareness for the charity with the bike ride next week.

Miss Kahn said: “I’m really honoured to be representing my fellow heart valve disease patients on this cycle tour.

“If it weren’t for my heart valve surgery and the treatment I received, I wouldn’t be here at all, let alone be participating in a cycle ride to France.

“I just want to spread the word about how important it is to have yourself checked and to pay my respects to those who didn’t receive the life-saving treatment that I was lucky enough to have in time.”

The 65-year-old had a brief problem with heart palpitations in 2006 and she decided to go and see a GP.

She was diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation, which involved a valve leaking, and it could have been fatal if not spotted.

Miss Kahn is also giving various talks on her experiences and will be speaking to the Great Harwood Mothers Club later this month.

Also tackling the ride will be HVV chief executive Wil Woan and eight clinicians from across the country including cardiologists surgeons and nurses.

Mr Woan said: “Many over 65s mistakenly believe that the symptoms of valve disease such as breathlessness, fatigue and chest pains are merely a result of getting older.

“With this cycle ride, we hope to raise awareness of the importance of not ignoring these symptoms and having your heart checked for heart valve disease.”

The ride will begin on Monday, May 15, at Guys’ and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, and conclude in Paris on Wednesday, May 17, on the day of the EuroPCR conference.

The conference features cardiac experts from all over the world and the HVV will be presenting their plan for improved diagnosis and treatment at the event.

The charity works to help treatment and diagnosis of the disease.