Matters of the heart at Valentines fundraiser
VALENTINE’S day will be extra special this year for Treasa and Bernard Lee who are not only celebrating a big birthday occasion but a bright future.
This time last year however things were very different for the Ballyheigue couple when 49-year old Bernard suffered a heart-attack just two weeks before his birthday and was immediately rushed to Cork University Hospital. With an 80% blockage in his heart Bernard was put under the expert care of Dr Peter Kelly and had to have two stints put in.
The couple, who have two daughters, Amy (12), Kiera (10) and a boy Darragh (3), were shocked when Bernard got ill at such a young age. A year later they realise how lucky they are.
“We feel extremely lucky to still be together. Knowing how different our lives could be today, if Bernard hadn’t Bernard hadn’t received the care that he did. We take nothing for granted and look forward with hope to many happy, healthy years ahead,” said Treasa who had to look after the children on her own while Bernard recovered.
“It was such a difficult time. I had to remain at home with my three young children while Bernard was in Cork. To add to the already immense stress we then discovered that because Bernard is self employed we were not eligible for sick pay while he was unable to work,” recalls Treasa.
After his operation in Cork Bernard was sent home to Kerry and to the support of the Tralee Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit who have been a huge support to the family and to say thanks they have decided to dedicate Valentine’s weekend to helping raise funds for them and for the Irish Heart Foundation. A night of music and a raffle with some great prizes to be won on the night has been organised at Flahives Bar in Ballyheigue
“We have completely different lifestyle and a whole new outlook on life now. Quality time with family and friends is so important and what better way to spend that time than enjoying a night out while fundraising for two terrific causes,” adds Treasa who has expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported them with the fundraiser.
A full list of prizes, which include Munster Rugby tickets, is on the Valentines Irish Heart Fundraiser Facebook page.