Shock heart attack inspires half marathon challenge
A caring daughter is donning her trainers and sweatbands in preparation for this year’s Great Birmingham Half Marathon, which she is competing in to raise money for the hospital that saved her mum’s life, just three months ago.
Rachel Barrett, a 49-year-old from Selly Oak, Birmingham, is set to tackle Birmingham’s best race this October to raise money for patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).
Rachel, a Funeral Director who has lived in Birmingham her whole life, was inspired to raise money for QEHB Charity, the hospital’s official charity, after experiencing the fantastic care provided by staff when her mother suffered a shock heart attack earlier this year.
“It was such a devastating blow,” Rachel explained. “One minute, we were going about our daily lives, the next, mum was in hospital in need of an emergency heart bypass following a heart attack, and we were told to expect the worst.
“I was called to the hospital on my way to work. I thought I’d be back at work within an hour, but I didn’t return for a week.”
Rachel’s mum, Maureen, who has been married to Rachel’s Dad, Bob, for over 50 years, was rushed to A&E in April 2016 following a heart attack. She underwent a triple heart bypass which saved her life, and was moved to Critical Care where she spent the next week fighting to recover.
Prior to the heart attack, Maureen suffered few symptoms or warning signs, remaining ‘very active and healthy’ throughout her retirement.
Rachel will race in the second city on 16 October 2016 to raise money for the hospital’s Critical Care department, where her mum was treated.
She said: “Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a born runner, so this will definitely be a challenge!
“By the time mum came home I knew without doubt that I wanted to raise money for QEHB Charity.
“I can’t begin to describe how amazing the staff were. They were completely devoted to caring for my mum and that’s all we wanted. If she hadn’t pulled through, as we were all preparing for, it was a comfort knowing that they truly couldn’t have tried any harder or done any more.”
Rachel hopes to raise £1,000 by completing the half marathon, which attracts thousands of runners every year. To sponsor her, please click here.
To run the race for QEHB Charity as part of team Doctor, Nurse or Patient, please sign up here. This year, runners can enter for free by pledging to raise £150, and can enjoy a post-race reception, which includes a massage, as well as access to fundraising materials and plenty of support in the lead up to the race and throughout the day. For more information please contact Laura.Power@uhb.nhs.uk or call 0121 371 4852.
