This year, from September 19th 2023, we embarked on a fundraising journey that has exceeded all expectations. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our fundraisers across the UK and Ireland, we are thrilled to announce that we’ve surpassed our target, raising an astounding £80,000 for aortic dissection research. This monumental success reflects the passion and dedication of those whose lives have been touched by aortic dissection, and it propels us further in our mission to improve diagnosis, treatment, and survival outcomes for this critical condition.
Thanks to the remarkable efforts of our fundraisers, the funds raised will go directly towards research aimed at improving clinical care and outcomes for patients affected by aortic dissection.
How will this money be spent?
Read about the innovative projects funded by Team Aorta and watch presentations from the project leads as they share advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and care.
Incredible Achievements Across the UK and Beyond
Our fundraising campaign saw an extraordinary outpouring of support from individuals and groups across the UK and beyond. From running marathons to completing monumental physical challenges, the lengths to which people have gone to honour their loved ones and raise awareness for this cause are both inspiring and humbling.
In April, a team of four runners took on the London Landmarks Half Marathon, while another team of five runners secured ballot places to run the London Marathon on our behalf. Their collective effort not only demonstrated great physical endurance but also rallied much-needed attention to the issue of aortic dissection.
In honour of her father, who survived a type A aortic dissection and is managing a type B, Serena completed the Battersea Park 5K. Her dedication speaks to the determination of families like hers, who continue to fight for awareness and better treatment options for those affected by this condition.
The Wandsworth Netball Club rallied together to organise a charity game, with all proceeds going towards research. This local initiative highlights the power of communities uniting to make a difference.
Remembering Loved Ones and Raising Awareness
Families who have been deeply affected by aortic dissection were also at the forefront of our fundraising campaign. The Goddard family and friends participated in the Bath Two Tunnels 10K Race, while non-running members organised a plant sale in memory of Sharon. Their combined efforts reflect a beautiful way of remembering their loved ones while supporting vital research.
Meanwhile, Sarah and Oli took on the gruelling 42-mile Lyke Wake Walk across the North York Moors, honouring their brother Ben, who tragically passed away from an aortic dissection. Their resolve in tackling such a challenging course mirrors the strength and resilience of the aortic dissection community.
Holly has been pushing herself through an ambitious four-half-marathon challenge, completing two of the four races in memory of her partner, who sadly passed from an acute Type A aortic dissection. Likewise, Siobhan skydived and organised workplace events in honour of her father, who is awaiting surgery for an aortic dissection and aneurysm. Their personal connections to the cause drive them to incredible heights of fundraising success.
Phil and Ed of Team G F Tomlinson took on the epic Lake District Ultra Challenge, completing the 100k loop in just 22 hours and 16 minutes, far exceeding their 24-hour goal. Their determination helped raise both awareness and funds for the cause.
In memory of his mum Susan, George ran the Rothley 10K, commemorating her sudden passing in March. Such efforts by families touched by loss continue to inspire hope for change.
National and International Fundraising Efforts
From the UK to New Zealand, the scale of fundraising has been truly global. Rachel climbed Roy’s Peak Mountain in New Zealand in memory of Gavan, who survived multiple aortic dissection surgeries. Her efforts, along with those of Alice, who also participated in tribute to Gavan, underscored the widespread impact of this condition and the international community rallying behind this cause.
Legendary footballer Steve Perryman MBE lent his voice and personal story to our mission, travelling the country and raising funds through celebrity memorabilia raffles and sales of his signed prints. His presence has helped amplify the importance of aortic dissection awareness.
Closer to home, an auction of Steve Brothwick’s signed England RFU Jacket at Kington café, featured in the Netflix documentary Six Nations: Full Contact, brought in significant funds and local support. Community events like these are vital in spreading awareness.
At the Spondon Village Club in Derby, a heartfelt welcome awaited Pauline Latham OBE, who received a donation of £1,000. This was the culmination of the club’s year-long fundraising efforts, showcasing the power of sustained community support.
Extraordinary Fundraisers
Some fundraisers went above and beyond in creative and personal ways. Lauren raised an impressive £4,000 through a quiz and karaoke evening, held in memory of her father, who died from a sudden aortic dissection ten years ago. Events like this not only raise critical funds but also bring communities together in remembrance and shared purpose.
The Werrington Joggers of Peterborough contributed £1,200 during their Annual Awards and Achievement Ceremony, inspired by a group member who suffered a sudden cardiac event during a run. Their efforts serve as a reminder of the personal connections people have to our cause.
Meanwhile, Kirsty undertook a 12-hour treadmill challenge and trekked the length of the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals to raise awareness about the concerning diagnosis rates in Scotland, while Emily dressed as an inflatable unicorn for 12 charity runs, highlighting the often-overlooked rehabilitation challenges following aortic dissection.
Chloe’s family ran in her memory after she tragically passed away from an aortic dissection at just 24. Despite being seen in A&E, the condition was missed, a loss that could have been prevented with better awareness. Chloe’s daughters, Emilia and Ivy, may also be at risk due to the hereditary nature of the condition. The family’s fundraising efforts aim to raise vital funds for research and awareness, ensuring a future where lives like Chloe’s can be saved.
A Unified Effort: Together, We Make a Difference
This campaign has shown that every step, every run, every event, and every challenge brings us closer to our goal: improving the lives of those affected by aortic dissection. From the Greenwich parkrun, where 30 patients and families came together, to Martin and Fiona, who are walking the length of the South West Coast Path, each person has contributed in a way that honours their loved ones and pushes forward our mission.
Notably, Mike Lambert completed his solo kayak circumnavigation of mainland UK in just 58 days, raising significant awareness and funds in honour of his mother’s memory. His journey, filled with physical and mental challenges, will be captured in a documentary to be released in October.
To all our fundraisers, we say a heartfelt thank you. Together, we have not only exceeded our fundraising goal but also amplified awareness of aortic dissection in ways that will save lives. As we look to the future, this £80,000 will go directly towards vital research, improving clinical care, and ultimately preventing the devastating loss of life caused by this condition. And we are not stopping here. We plan to do this all again, continuing to fund future research into aortic dissection care, driving progress and ensuring even more lives are saved.
United as #TeamAorta, we are making a difference. Here’s to every step, every mile, and every challenge – and the lives that will be saved because of it.
