Heartfelt fundraiser

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

HEALTHY HEART: Martin Pringle leads a healthy life after having triple bypass surgery.

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A stroll in the park with his young daughter turned into a big wake-up call for Martin Pringle.

Eight years ago the Epsom resident was suffering from angina because of blocked arteries and had stents put in to keep the arteries open.

But four months later, the then 44-year-old was
walking through Cornwall Park with his daughter when he nearly had a heart attack.

Following a triple bypass, Mr Pringle is now a keen cyclist and swimmer and no longer worries about his heart giving out from his former lifestyle of stress, overworking and naturally high cholesterol.

"It was not a pleasant experience. I now exercise six days a week."

He has competed in a number of cycle races, including riding around
Lake Taupo, between Rotorua and Taupo and between Hamilton and Pukekohe.

He also delegates more of his work in the IT sector to make sure he isn’t too stressed out.

"It was a bit of a shock to have the stents put in and for that to only last four months was a bigger shock."

Mr Pringle saw some National Heart Foundation counsellors while he was in hospital and later did a foundation course on how to change to a more healthy lifestyle.

"Physically you get over the surgery in about three months but it takes a lot longer to get over it mentally.

"It’s always there in the back of your mind, you think you’re going to drop dead tomorrow."

Thankfully he has made a full recovery and no longer worries about having a heart attack.

Several of his friends are doing the Great Ride for Heart, cycling the length of the country to raise money for the foundation, which is holding its national street appeal collection day on Friday.

The foundation’s aim is to highlight the fact that cardiovascular disease makes up 40 percent of deaths every year.

It needs to raise more than $300,000 to carry on its core activities like helping to fund research, promote healthy lifestyles and advance cardiac rehabilitation.

As well as donating to collectors, people can call 0800-830-100, go to www.nhf.org.nz or donate at any Westpac branch or Amcal and Unichem pharmacies.

- © Fairfax NZ News