Fan Robyn’s amazing fightback I’d have died without pig valve in my heart... now there’s no stopping me

studying at Teesside University in Middlesbrough when she was told the devastating news at a health check-up that the pig valve was beginning to fail.

So she underwent open heart surgery for the second time.

This time medics replaced ced the pig heart valve with a cow’s, also known as a bovine valve.

Robyn said: “When I was told about the second surgery I was thinking, ‘How can my body go through this again?’

“But I was determined not to allow this to impact my studies or my goals.

“Having this mindset did help massively and I’m so grateful for my family and friends’ support to help get me through my final year of uni.”

Incredibly, just eight weeks later Robyn went back to complete her final year of studies in sports therapy.

Five months after her second operation she qualified as a fitness instructor while still studying for a post- graduate teaching qualification in health and social care.

She now teaches further education students about human anatomy.

And after taking up running she is about to do the Great North Run half-marathon for the British Heart Foundation on September 8. She said: “I was never a very good runner when I was younger but I started training in April 2018 and started to feel a lot better.

“So I made it my new year’s resolution to sign up for the Great North Run.

“I want to spread the word about cardiovascular disease and congenital heart defects.

“I want people to know that just because I have a heart condition it doesn’t mean that I can’t be fit and take on physical challenges. I also want other people to be aware that heart problems don’t just affect the elderly or those who make poor lifestyle choices.

“I am very passionate about helping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation as the research which is being conducted could have a positive impact on so many people like myself in the future.”

Philippa Hobson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Evidence indicated that around 300 people in their twenties undergo heart surgery each year in England to correct a congenital heart condition, which may include valve replacement.”

Liam O’reilly, of the BHF, said: “We are so grateful for Robyn’s fundraising efforts. It’s fantastic to see her so determined to succeed in both the race and raising awareness for congenital heart disease.

“Robyn is a brilliant example of just how well those with congenital heart diseases can thrive in physical activity thanks to fantastic medical intervention.

“Each year, the BHF funds millions of pounds of life-saving research into congenital heart disease.”

To sponsor Robyn, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/robyn-cairney