Ed Billington, Heart reception, nativity
Pleased to attend a reception at Billingtons in the Cunard Building last night. An awards ceremony where Ed Billington thanked the people who saved his life after his heart attack earlier this year.
Ed is the first person I've met who has had bypass surgery as extensive as my own - five grafts. He's an ex-Royal Marine, 41, fit as a lop, and it came as a huge shock to he and his family.
He was working out at David Lloyd Gym in Speke when he went out like a light. Staff from the David Lloyd used a defibrilator to save his life and he came through despite days in a coma.
He is a truly lovely guy and I suppose it was typical of him that he chose to make such a big fuss of the people who had helped him through.
It was a really nice evening with his three young sons serving canapes and champagne. They'll realise one day that they have the David Lloyd staff to thank that their dad is still around.
I was surprise and delighted to meet up with Wahlid Dihmis, the Broadgreen surgeon who performed my operation in 2003, and Ed's this year. We talked about poor diet and smoking being major contributors to heart disease rates on Merseyside, and also about the crucial role of family history. I'll tell Harry to test for cholestorol as soon as he's 18.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4160703.stm
http://www.heartofmersey.org.uk/
We agreed that Ed's story is proof positive that all major organisations - firms, shops, shopping centres etc - should have defibilators and staff trained to use them. Something for the Echo to think about next year.
It was Morgan's first Nativity play yesterday. I was working and couldn't go. Did I really try hard enough to alter my work schedule to spare an hour? Some things are gone forever. I missed it and I feel ashamed of myself and sorry for myself at the same time. Morgan is in the centre of the three girls at the front of the stage.
Lynne managed to make the Nativity. She said that yesterday, for half an hour, she felt 'normal' for the first time in two years. Perhaps the steroids are starting to kick in.
Has anyone else been through this phase of MS treatment? I'd love to hear your experiences.
