Last September, Harriett Dalby’s mum was rushed to hospital after symptoms of breathlessness and minor fatigue.
Sarah Sykes, 47, was kept in hospital for four days where the medical specialists picked up that her heart rate had dropped to 17bpm.
Finally, doctors decided to fit Harriett’s mum with a pacemaker after realising that she had a blockage and her heart rate was not returning to normal, but it was, in fact, dropping.
I got the chance to speak to Harriett, 21, a journalism student at York St John University, and ask a few questions about the event and what pushed her towards the half marathon.
Was your mum worried at the time?
She was more frustrated. She has always kept fit and healthy, she just couldn’t understand why this had all happened so suddenly.It took her some time to process that her heart and life was depended on its pacemaker.
How did the family cope?
It took a lot of convincing to get her to go to hospital, none of us could believe that her tiredness would result in something so serious. We felt unaware and uneducated about the symptoms/ signs of heart health issues. So after realising that my mum’s pacemaker was the gift that keeps her here as her happy, amazing self, I felt obliged to make others aware of heart problems and raise funds for this charity.
How is your training going for the half marathon?
Running is something I have rarely ever done, but after that scary indecent I didn’t have to think twice about signing up for the AJ Bell Great North Run (half marathon). I have recently ran in the Manchester Winter Warmer 10 km, which gave me some good practice and helped with my training.
Do you feel like running has helped you process the incident?
Yes, since started running my mental health is so much better, I have a clear mind and a much more positive outlook on life. I also feel my fitness overall has changed for the better, the benefits are amazing.
What advice would you give to anyone who is a running beginner?
My top tips would be, don’t set yourself unrealistic targets, just do what feels good for you, whether that’s a 20 minute run or a 40 minute run. Secondly, you’re not in a race, don’t think you are too slow, I always tell myself, if I think I’m going to slow, it’s a sign I needed to slow down and go at a pace that is enjoyable to me.
The half marathon will take place on 26 May, and we wish Harriett the best of luck completing it. You can support Harriet with donations here.