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54-Mile Charity Cycle After Secret Heart Condition
20 Apr
Summary
- Woman discovered a lifelong heart defect after a sudden collapse.
- She will cycle 54 miles from London to Brighton for charity.
- Underwent open heart surgery in April 2024 after multiple attempts.
Diana Warren, 55, from Colchester, will cycle 54 miles from London to Brighton for the British Heart Foundation. This challenge comes after she discovered a significant, lifelong heart defect, an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), following a dramatic collapse during a leisurely bike ride in June 2022. Initially experiencing fainting, medical assessments revealed a hole in her heart, described as the size of a two-pence piece.
Warren underwent multiple keyhole surgery attempts at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, all of which were unsuccessful. She then required open heart surgery, which took place in April 2024 after a six-month wait. Following her recovery, which also included receiving a pacemaker, she has resumed training for the charity event.
The London to Brighton Bike Ride, scheduled for Sunday, June 21, is a long-held dream for Warren. She has been training diligently since January, focusing on building strength and endurance. Her participation aims to give back to the British Heart Foundation for their support to individuals with heart conditions.
