Hertfordshire woman who survived five cardiac arrests to cycle London to Brighton for heart charity
Sue Chapman from near Hitchin survived five cardiac arrests in just 15 months
A mother-of-two from Hertfordshire who survived five cardiac arrests in just 15 months, is set to tackle the London to Brighton Bike Ride today, raising funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Sue Chapman, 48, who lives outside Hitchin, will join thousands of cyclists on Sunday 21st June, having received the all-clear from her cardiology team.
The 54 mile ride marks a significant milestone in her recovery from life-threatening heart events.
Sue experienced her first cardiac arrest back in March 2024 when she collapsed unexpectedly at work.
Quick-thinking colleagues and emergency services were vital in saving her life, leading to her eventual recovery.
Post-cardiac arrest, Sue was fitted with an extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (EV-ICD), a device that monitors heart rhythm and delivers life-saving shocks when needed.
Over a period of 15 months, Sue endured four more cardiac arrests, three of them occurring outside of hospital, relying on the EV-ICD to restore her heart rhythm each time.
Sue said: “There was a point where life felt like it was just a series of tests, procedures, and hospital appointments. I began to worry this was just going to be my new normal.”
She added: “Training for this ride has been about learning to trust my body again, with the support of my doctors,” she said, acknowledging the sense of achievement from completing a 40-mile practice ride.
During her recovery, Sue found inspiration through online support groups and was motivated by other cardiac arrest survivors.
"Taking on the London to Brighton ride feels like a way of proving to myself that I can still set goals and look forward”, she says.
Fundraising for the British Heart Foundation
Sue is dedicating her ride to fundraising for the BHF, a charity that played a crucial role during her recovery with its research and support services.
“The BHF means a huge amount to me. During my time in hospital, I leaned heavily on the support from their helpline. If my fundraising helps continue that support for others, it really means a lot to me.”
Grace Howarth, BHF Senior Events Manager said: "Sue’s story is a powerful reminder of why our supporters and fundraisers are so extraordinary. Thanks to decades of BHF-funded research, more people are surviving cardiac arrests and living longer, healthier lives.”
The London to Brighton Bike Ride raises millions annually to support research into cardiovascular disease, impacting around eight million people across the UK.