Cardiac surgeon and patient reunite on London to Brighton ride to champion heart health

A cardiac surgeon and his former patient have reunited on the London to Brighton bike ride, four years after heart valve surgery, to raise awareness of heart health, early diagnosis and life after cardiac treatment.

Mr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, took part in the ride as part of a 25 strong team of surgeons, nurses and patients. Together, they were championing better patient care and innovation in cardiothoracic surgery, which includes operations on the heart, lungs and other organs in the chest.

Among the cyclists was Mr Ahmed’s former patient, Phill Read, 48, from Lancing. A keen cyclist and father of three, Phill had previously led a very active lifestyle, cycling up to 100 miles a week.

His life changed in February 2020 when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm problem where the heartbeat becomes irregular, as well as a leaking mitral valve, which required surgery.

Phill first met Mr Ahmed during a quiet Christmas Eve cardiac clinic. The pair quickly bonded over their shared love of cycling after Phill noticed Mr Ahmed arriving in his cycling gear. That conversation helped put Phill at ease at a time when he was facing major heart surgery.

Phill said: “I was naturally nervous and concerned about what was happening next with my treatment. But suddenly we had this common interest, and I was able to get comfortable before talking about the valve. It helped put my mind at ease and relax. Once the conversation got serious, I trusted him more and it made my experience ten times better.”

Following a successful mitral valve repair, Phill faced a long recovery. While in intensive care, he set himself a personal goal: to one day ride alongside Mr Ahmed.

Phill said: “That was a goal I always had, and it was just seeing how we could make it work because I thought if the ride happened, it would be a real moment to cherish as well as providing inspiration to others at the same time.”

This year, that goal became a reality. Through Mr Ahmed, Phill became involved with Heart Valve Voice, a charity dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of heart valve disease. Mr Ahmed is an ambassador for the charity and Phill now proudly serves as Chair.When Heart Valve Voice partnered with the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery, of which Mr Ahmed is a member, the long awaited ride finally happened.

Phill said: “It was an amazing feeling riding along with Ish. It has been four years since my surgery, and a plan that was hatched then has finally happened. I hope that this story can inspire others and provide them with reassurance, and I believe that amazing things can happen after heart valve surgery.”

Although the pair were separated before the finish line, they reunited afterwards to celebrate their achievement. Phill’s wife, Sacha, surprised him at the finish, where he crossed the line in 4 hours and 45 minutes. He also raised more than £1,000 for Heart Valve Voice.

Mr Ahmed said: “Heart health is important, and early diagnosis is key to enabling patients to access the range of treatment options available, which include catheter based options, minimal access surgery and conventional surgery. In addition, sharing patients’ stories like Phill’s enables the community to understand that timely intervention enables patients to continue to live an active life.”

Driven by a commitment to innovation and patient centred care, the team continues to improve treatment and outcomes for patients with heart conditions, helping people like Phill return to active, fulfilling lives.