Firemen and farmers' club raise thousands for cardiac unit

A postman who walks miles every day only discovered he had a serious cardiac defect after having a string of heart attacks which left him in hospital for almost ten weeks.

Heath Barron, who also worked as retained fireman based in Kenfig Hill, experienced three cardiac episodes in March. When the seriousness of his condition was realised, he was blue lighted by ambulance to Morriston Hospital where he was eventually diagnosed with a 3cm tear in his heart – known as a ventricular septal defect (VSD).

The 55-year-old was put into a medically induced coma for four weeks, and underwent an emergency operation to fit two stents into his heart, as well as a VSD closure device.

He’s now on the road to recovery, but the father-of-two is having a rest from both his jobs for the time being.

He said: “As a post man I’m used to walking up to 12 miles a day, and I had no idea there was anything wrong with me until I finally went into hospital.

“It all just came out of the blue. I ended up with broken ribs and chest profusions, but I’m glad to say I’m on the mend now.

“I get tired quickly and I’ve had to be back to hospital a few times, but the team that treated me were incredible – there are no words to express my gratitude. All of them were wonderful; I had someone sitting with me most of the time.

“So it was natural to want to do something back, to show my gratitude for everything they’ve done for me. I am indebted to for the care I received after my serious heart issues.”

Heath’s fire service colleagues showed their support by taking part in a sponsored walk from their base in Kenfig Hill to Morriston Hospital. They raised £7650 which was shared between the Cardiac Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) and the Cardiac Critical Care Unit.

But this contribution isn’t the only recent donation received by the Cardiac ITU.

Llanddarog Young Farmers’ Club has supported the unit, because of one their club leaders, Peter Howells, received treatment at the unit approximately eight years ago. They also wanted to show their support in memory of ex-member Eifion Davies, who was treated at the unit before passing away in 2022.

Club secretary Carys Phillips said: “The Cardiac unit had helped people who had helped us, so it is something that is very close to our hearts, and we wanted to do something to thank them for all the amazing work they do.

“We spent the past two years fund-raising for the unit, including holding carol concerts and tractor runs and other activities.

“We hope the ITU will be use the money for something that will assist them in future.”

The Farmers’ Club raised £3,500. The funds will go towards the purchase of simulation mannequins and new pulmonary artery catheter monitors, as well as helping to educate staff with the new dialysis machine that are ready to be implemented on the unit.

Morriston Hospital Cardiac ITU Senior Sister Michelle Porter said: “The staff work extremely hard to ensure that high levels of care are provided to patients and their families during difficult times following surgery.

“Staff are continually updating their skills and all charitable funds received from fund raising go a long way to ensure that this continues, as well as providing much needed equipment for high standards of care to continue".

Cardiac ITU Matron Manjula Sajeevan added: “It is humbling to see our patients value the care received during their stay in Cardiac ITU.

“It is a great gesture to see that our former patients do fund raising events to raise money which is then utilised to support and enhance the skills.

“The feedback motivates the team to continue to deliver the high standards of care our patients deserve.”

Lewis Bradley, Charity Manager, Swansea Bay Health Charity said: “On behalf of Swansea Bay Health Charity, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported our Cardiac ITU and Cardiac Critical Care Unit.

“To Heath Barron, his fire service colleagues, and all those who took part in the sponsored walk, your incredible fundraising effort and the strength of your community spirit are truly inspiring. Your generosity will make a real and lasting difference to the patients cared for in these units.

“I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Llanddarog Young Farmers’ Club for their outstanding commitment and two years of dedicated fundraising. Your donation will directly support vital equipment and training that helps our teams continue to provide exceptional care.

“We are deeply grateful for the kindness, effort and trust you have shown. Your support not only enhances our services but also motivates our staff every day. Thank you for helping us continue to deliver the best possible care to our patients and their families.”