.jpg)
Help others in need through a gift in your Will
Ian “did not hesitate” to leave 100% of his estate to the Heart Foundation.
Ian’s heart story
.jpg)
Ian went to the doctor believing he was suffering from bronchitis, an illness that many butchers suffer from due to the frequent change of temperature moving in and out of cold rooms. He was shocked to discover he had a heart murmur.
Ian’s aortic valve was 72% blocked, so he was immediately fitted with a mechanical valve through open-heart surgery. 13 years later, in September 2018, his mechanical valve failed him and was replaced with a swine valve. It was another open-heart surgery Ian had to endure. The second time around, his recovery was not as easy.
Instead of being in hospital for seven days, he was kept there for 24. Confused, Ian asked “why?” The nurse told him that he had attempted to attack a security guard and on a separate occasion he had tried to escape the hospital; another time he was screaming. Ian experienced delirium… he wished he knew this was a possibility.I was never told about this and the impact it could have on me.
Ian is passionate about the work the Heart Foundation does to combat Australia’s biggest killer, heart disease - he has since become an avid supporter.
Ian is particularly interested in the research the Heart Foundation is funding to understand and eradicate heart disease, and to educate Australians about the impact this disease can have on our lives.
Inspired by the work the Heart Foundation does, Ian was certain supporting us into our next 60 years would be his legacy. Ian “did not hesitate” to leave 100% of his estate to the Heart Foundation. He hopes that by leaving his entire estate to the Heart Foundation he “may help someone in need.” Ian’s generosity will impact the lives of Australians to come, as one in two of our research programs are funded by gifts in Wills.
Ian’s one piece of advice
Ian found solace in researching his heart disease and connecting with those who share the same condition: “I read a lot and especially about my heart disease. I am also on various websites on Facebook that a lot of people around the world who have a similar heart disease to me and the encouragement from people on these sites is awesome.”
Discover more heart stories
MyMarathon
MyMarathon
MyMarathon
The fundraising race where you set the pace. Run, jog or walk MyMarathon at your own pace during October....
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Are you at risk of heart disease?
Are you at risk of heart disease?
There is no single cause for any one heart condition, but there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing one. ...
Support and resources for health care professionals
Support and resources for health care professionals
Support and resources for health care professionals
Our range of clinical and patient support resources are available for you to use in your daily practice....
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Support us and help save Australian hearts
Join the fight against Australia’s biggest killer by supporting the Heart Foundation. ...
Clinical Guidelines
Clinical Guidelines
Clinical Guidelines
Full list of clinical guidlines and references for CVD, heart failure, ACS, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, SCAD and RHD...
Help make heart disease history!
Help make heart disease history!
Help make heart disease history!
48 Australians die from heart disease every day. You can help save lives....
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Fundraise to save Australian hearts
Join the Heart Foundation community. Together, we can make a real difference for Australian hearts. ...
Donate to the Heart Foundation
Donate to the Heart Foundation
Donate to the Heart Foundation
Every dollar that you donate will help fund research, support and programs that help save lives....
Our programs and initiatives
Our programs and initiatives
Our programs and initiatives
The Heart Foundation delivers innovative, evidence-based programs and initiatives to support and prevent heart disease in Australia...
Heart Foundation Walking
Heart Foundation Walking
Heart Foundation Walking
Learn more about Heart Foundation Walking and find your local walking group....
Register your cardiac service with the Heart Foundation
Register your cardiac service with the Heart Foundation
This cardiac services directory presents information on cardiac rehab programs offered across Australia....
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
Time to book a Heart Health Check?
If you're 45 and over, or 30 and over if you're of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you should book your Heart Health Check today...
Blood cholesterol
Blood cholesterol
Blood cholesterol
Keeping your blood cholesterol at a healthy level can help you reduce your risk of heart disease and other serious conditions. ...
Heart failure resources for patients
Heart failure resources for patients
Educate your patients on everything they need to know about heart failure and managing their condition. ...
What is a heart attack?
What is a heart attack?
What is a heart attack?
The most common cause of a heart attack is coronary heart disease....
Healthy Bowl Recipes
Healthy Bowl Recipes
Healthy Bowl Recipes
Find more heart healthy bowl recipes in our Bowl Foods recipe booklet...
Celebrate the life of someone you love by giving to the Heart Foundation in their memory
Celebrate the life of someone you love by giving to the Heart Foundation in their memory
Celebrate the life of someone you love by giving to the Heart Foundation in their memory
Food and healthy eating during COVID-19
Food and healthy eating during COVID-19
Food and healthy eating during COVID-19
Healthy eating and COVID-19 FAQ...
What is heart disease?
What is heart disease?
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is the broad term for conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle. ...
Women and heart disease
Women and heart disease
Women and heart disease
Information and resources for health professionals....
Healthy eating to protect your heart
Healthy eating to protect your heart
Healthy eating to protect your heart
What does a heart-friendly diet look like?...
Peter is breathing easy again after heart valve surgery
Peter is breathing easy again after heart valve surgery
Peter is breathing easy again after heart valve surgery
Peter has lived with a rare heart condition since he was 14, but hadn’t given it too much thought until his 30s....
Queensland Election 2020
Queensland Election 2020
Queensland Election 2020
Every day 15 Queenslanders die of heart disease. Fight to save Queensland Hearts....
Meditation helped Grant recover from his heart attack
Meditation helped Grant recover from his heart attack
Meditation helped Grant recover from his heart attack
Thankfully for Grant Byrne, a lifelong Led Zeppelin fan, some quick thinking helped him avoid a stairway to heaven. Read Grant’s heart attack story now. ...
Long-term recovery after a heart attack
Long-term recovery after a heart attack
Long-term recovery after a heart attack
Information to help you adjust to what could be the 'new normal'...
What is an arrhythmia?
What is an arrhythmia?
What is an arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a fault in the heart’s electrical system, which affects your heart’s pumping rhythm....
Wholegrains and heart health
Wholegrains and heart health
Wholegrains and heart health
All you need to know about wholegrains to put you on the right track...
Breakfast recipes
Breakfast recipes
Breakfast recipes
Heart healthy breakfasts to start your day right...
How to volunteer with us
How to volunteer with us
How to volunteer with us
Join our volunteers and make a difference to the heart health of Australians....
Heart Age Calculator
Heart Age Calculator
Heart Age Calculator
Try our Heart Age Calculator to understand what contributes to your risk of heart disease....