rail of two hearts: Heart transplant survivor walking the coast of Wales this festive period

Trail of two hearts: Heart transplant survivor walking the coast of Wales this festive period

Kieran crosses the border as part of 5,000 mile coastal crusade round Britain to raise £20,000 to fund the BHF’s life saving research

A heart transplant survivor is taking on the ultimate challenge by walking 5,000 miles around the coastline of Britain to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to help fund lifesaving research.

Kieran Sandwell, 45, from Hertfordshire, crossed the border into Wales on 20th November. He decided to take on a “Trail of Two Hearts” to mark the end of his long battle with heart disease after having a heart transplant eight years ago.

To celebrate his new lease of life Kieran has set himself the challenge of raising £20,000 for the BHF by walking the coast of Britain over the next year to help fund even more lifesaving research. After setting off on Wednesday 1 February 2017, from the BHF office in London, Kieran has walked over 2,500 miles of the UK’s coast.  He will be walking the coast of Wales throughout the whole December and through to the New Year.

There are over 350,000 people in Wales living with heart and circulatory disease. Kieran is calling on the Welsh public to support him on his journey by donating to help save even more lives by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ATrailofTwoHearts

Kieran said:

“The inspiration for my challenge came to me around 25 years ago, but then it was only something I could dream of because of my health. 

“I won’t let the winter weather dampen my spirits and I’m looking forward to meeting some new Welsh friends, who I hope will keep me company along the way, and even teach me a bit of Welsh!

“My second heart has enabled me to do so much and I’m urging the public to help me support the BHF’s ground-breaking research by sponsoring me or walking with me.”

On his journey, Kieran will be met and supported by BHF-funded researchers, fundraising groups and branches and shop staff and volunteers from across Wales. 

Adam Fletcher, Head of BHF Cymru, said:

“We never cease to be amazed by the incredible way our fundraisers raise money for our research, but Kieran’s coastline challenge is without a doubt one of the biggest we’ve ever seen. The BHF fund over £5.9 million of research here in Wales to end the devastation caused by heart disease.

“We are so incredibly grateful for his determination and dedication to supporting our work and hope the Welsh public will support him every step of the way.

“Last year over 9,000 people in Wales lost their life to heart and circulatory disease, devastating the lives of the close friends and family they leave behind.  We urgently need more people to help fund our life saving research, so if Kieran has inspired you please do help power his steps and donate.”

Kieran’s battle with heart disease began when he was just three years old, when he had to have open heart surgery to correct a condition called Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). This is where the main arteries in the heart are ‘plumbed’ back to front.

When Kieran was 13, he suffered a heart attack and during his early twenties he had two mini strokes and began having abnormal heart rhythms. By the time he reached 35, he was in heart failure and he was put on the list for a new heart.

In July 2009, Kieran received his new heart and donated his old heart to BHF-funded research into congenital heart disease, which has contributed to important discoveries that will help others living with conditions like TGA. The money he raises on this incredible journey around Britain will help the British Heart Foundation fund even more life saving research.

Travelodge, the BHF’s charity partner, will be supporting Kieran by providing him with a room to rest in for the night wherever possible along his route through Wales. Berghaus, the outdoor clothing and equipment brand, is supporting Kieran on his walk by providing clothing, including a waterproof jacket and warm winter-wear.

To support Kieran on his journey and find out how you can get involved to help save even more lives visit www.atrailoftwohearts.com