Across the UK and Ireland, individuals, families and communities are stepping up – and stepping out – to make a real difference in improving lives and raising awareness of aortic dissection. From charity walks and half marathons to tribute concerts, bake sales and skydiving, our supporters continue to inspire us with their dedication, creativity and compassion.
Fundraising for the aortic dissection charity does more than raise money. It drives awareness, funds critical research, and gives hope to families who have been affected by this often unknown condition. While runners and walkers form the backbone of many of our fundraising events, there are countless other ways to get involved and help save lives.
The Gift of Gratitude
For June and Clive, the journey through aortic dissection has been deeply personal and remarkably hopeful. In 2023, Clive suffered an aortic dissection. Just a month later, he had a stroke, followed by an aortic aneurysm. Despite this harrowing series of events, Clive has made a remarkable recovery, thanks to the dedication and skill of the medical team who cared for him.
In gratitude and to mark their wedding, June and Clive have asked their guests to forgo traditional gifts and instead donate to the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust.
“Without the surgeon and the whole medical team, I would have lost my soulmate. By doing this, it’s such an honour.”
Their generous gesture turns a personal milestone into a meaningful act of solidarity, showing that support as aortic dissection buddies can take many forms.
Honouring a Life with Music
One unforgettable example of community spirit came when over 250 people gathered at Camborne Rugby Club in Cornwall for Rock 4 Rob, a tribute gig in memory of Robert Stevenson. Rob tragically passed away from an aortic dissection in 2024. In the face of grief, his family sought a way to honour his memory while raising awareness of the condition that took him so suddenly.
Their answer was music. A lifelong fan of Queen, Rob had seen the band live with his wife Jen (then his girlfriend) and his younger brother Colin. The family chose to commemorate Rob’s legacy with a night of music featuring Queen tribute band The Good Old Fashioned Lover Boys. The evening was a huge success, filled with emotion, remembrance and joy. The family were overwhelmed by the support and have already announced that Rock 4 Rob will return in 2026.
This is a beautiful example of how community events can not only raise vital funds but also bring people together in celebration, reflection and shared purpose.
Thousands of Steps, One Shared Goal
Each week, Team Aorta takes part in running events, sponsored walks and personal challenges. These events raise essential funds and spread awareness in local communities, bringing aortic dissection to the forefront of conversations where it urgently needs to be.
From marathons to parkruns, hill walks to endurance treks, these fundraisers are truly the lifeblood of our mission. But walking or running isn’t the only way to make a difference.
Our community includes people who organise bake sales, host quizzes, sell handmade items, stream online gaming sessions, and mark anniversaries and birthdays with charitable giving. Whatever your passion, there is a way to use it to support our cause.
Leading by Example
At the heart of the charity is a team of trustees, ambassadors and volunteers who do far more than guide the charity’s strategy: they embody its mission in action. Many of them are out in their communities, personally organising events, hosting fundraisers and championing awareness in every way possible.
From village halls to city marathons, they are rolling up their sleeves and getting involved on the ground. Some are coordinating local events, while others are taking part in long-distance walks or runs, sharing their passion with friends, colleagues and supporters to raise funds and profile for the cause.
Our ambassadors bring equally vital energy to the mission. These individuals, many of whom have a deeply personal connection to aortic dissection, share their stories at public events, medical conferences, celebrity signings and charity auctions.
We are also proud of our incredible volunteers, many of whom are quietly making a powerful impact, running personal challenges, supporting others through peer conversations and creating fundraising initiatives of their own. Their commitment ensures that every message spoken, every leaflet handed out, and every mile run brings us closer to a future where lives are no longer lost to aortic dissection.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
Every penny you raise helps us improve outcomes for people living with or at risk of aortic dissection. We fund vital research into better diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We campaign for changes in NHS protocols. We support training for healthcare professionals, and we ensure that patients and families have access to the information and resources they need at the most critical moments.
Find Your Way to Make a Difference
Whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one, marking a personal recovery, or simply want to help save lives, there’s a place for you in our community. You can:
- Take part in a sponsored run or walk
- Organise a fundraising event in your town
- Mark a special occasion with a donation
- Volunteer your time or skills
- Share your story to inspire others
If you’re ready to get involved or want to explore how you can help, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to discuss your ideas.
Together, we are changing the future of aortic dissection. With your help, we can continue to fund critical research, support families in crisis and advocate for better care.
Thank you for standing with us and for showing that one act of kindness can ripple outward to touch countless lives.
