A dad-of-four from Preston had a 'huge realisation' about what is truly important after he suffered a heart attack.
Omar had lived with high blood pressure for 10 years before a heart attack in 2022 forced him to confront his lifestyle.
He said: "Having a heart attack made me re-evaluate what’s truly important in life – my family."
After heart surgery, Omar fell into depression, acknowledging that he had ignored repeated warnings from healthcare professionals.
He said: "I had a huge realisation that things had to quickly change.
"I've got four kids, three of them under the age of ten, and that's what made me panic.
"My daughter has just started high school, and I think about how that could have easily been her first day without me.
"I need to be there for them."
Omar was referred to cardiac rehabilitation sessions run by Heartbeat, a local charity that helps people at risk of or living with heart conditions to become more active.
He began with short walks around the car park and gradually built up his confidence.
He now walks for 45 minutes each day after dropping his children off at school.
He said: "My kids were my main motivation.
"I'd given everything to my job, but I wasn't giving it to my family.
"Things had to change.
"And they did.
"I've learned that it's not just about me – it's about the wider family and community."
Omar is now sharing his story as part of the Healthy Hearts campaign, a Lancashire initiative delivered in partnership with We Are Undefeatable to help people with heart and long-term health conditions get active in ways that suit them.
Craig, a former bus driver from Hyndburn, also shared his experience after suffering a heart attack two years ago.
He said: "I want to live, be healthy again and be able to do what I want, when I want."
Craig now attends weekly circuit sessions and has rekindled his love for walking, cycling, and archery.
He said: "My health is much better than it was a few years prior to my heart attack.
"I’m definitely feeling much fitter.
"I’ve noticed that my pace has increased and I’ve got more stamina to walk and cycle for longer periods of time."
Omar has since launched Dads and Lads swimming and women-only swim and gym sessions at West View Leisure Centre to help others become more active.
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He said: "As I keep telling everyone I speak to – to heal, you must reveal."
Councillor Daniel Matchett, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "The Healthy Hearts campaign, possible thanks to Sport England investment, is a powerful example of how we can work together with local communities and charities to make a real difference."
To find out more about Healthy Hearts, visit: Healthy Hearts - Lancashire County Council
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