Wiltshire woman to walk 115km after surviving two heart attacks

Cathy Read, a resilient woman from Chippenham, Wiltshire, is embarking on an extraordinary 115km journey along the Camino Francés route in Spain this May, a testament to her courage and determination following two life-altering experiences. She is undertaking this arduous trek not only to reclaim her physical and mental strength but also to shine a vital spotlight on Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a rare and often misunderstood condition that has twice led to her suffering heart attacks. Read’s personal crusade aims to raise crucial awareness and vital funds for Beat SCAD, the charity that provided invaluable support throughout her challenging recovery.

"Heart disease is often seen as a male condition, but actually, it’s one of the biggest killers of women in the UK," Cathy stated with a palpable sense of urgency. "I don’t think women realise the risk there." This powerful assertion underscores a critical knowledge gap that Cathy is determined to bridge, highlighting the insidious nature of SCAD which disproportionately affects women, often those under the age of 50, who are otherwise considered healthy and active.

SCAD, a medical emergency, occurs when a tear or bruise develops within the wall of a heart artery. This internal damage can significantly impede or completely obstruct blood flow to the heart muscle, triggering a heart attack or leading to dangerous heart rhythm irregularities. The insidious onset of SCAD often leaves individuals bewildered and frightened, as it deviates from the typical risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Cathy’s first harrowing encounter with SCAD occurred in 2021. In a striking example of how SCAD can manifest unexpectedly, she experienced her first heart attack shortly after completing a demanding walk along the South West Coast Path, a stretch between the picturesque Cornish villages of Looe and Polperro. The physical exertion, which would normally be seen as beneficial, tragically preceded this life-threatening event. Even more alarmingly, Cathy’s initial reaction was not one of immediate medical concern. "I walked home after it [my first heart attack]," she recounted, her voice tinged with the memory of disbelief and confusion. "I didn’t call an ambulance. I went kayaking the next day; I didn’t understand what female heart attacks look like." This anecdote vividly illustrates the prevalent lack of awareness surrounding the atypical presentation of heart attacks in women, a factor that can lead to devastating delays in diagnosis and treatment.

The inherent unpredictability of SCAD had a profound psychological impact on Cathy. "It [SCAD] is a rare heart condition and primarily happens to women who are generally healthy and active, and don’t have any of the normal risk factors for heart conditions," she explained, articulating the disorienting nature of her diagnosis. "When something like that happens out of nowhere, it really shakes your confidence and makes you question everything about your body." The sudden betrayal by her own body, particularly given her active lifestyle, understandably eroded her sense of security and self-trust.

The ordeal was not a singular event. In 2023, while on holiday in Portugal, Cathy experienced a second heart attack, a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by SCAD. This recurrence would have been profoundly terrifying for anyone, but for Cathy, it underscored the critical need for greater understanding and research into this enigmatic condition.

Throughout the arduous and emotionally taxing process of recovery from both SCAD events, Cathy found solace and strength in the support of Beat SCAD. This dedicated charity plays a pivotal role in not only raising awareness about SCAD but also in actively funding essential research to unravel the complexities of the condition and improve patient outcomes. Their work is invaluable in a field where knowledge is still developing and where early diagnosis can be life-saving.

Motivated by a deep-seated desire to give back and to empower others who may be silently at risk, Cathy is channeling her energy into her ambitious fundraising walk. She aims to raise £1,500 for Beat SCAD through her six-day trek along a section of the Camino Francés. This significant physical undertaking is more than just a fundraising effort; it’s a personal quest for restoration. "I really wanted a physical challenge to give me confidence back and show I was capable of doing this big walk," she shared, her voice resonating with renewed purpose. "I’m doing lots of training around Wiltshire which has been great, I’m really looking forward to it."

Her training regimen has been meticulously designed to prepare her for the demands of the pilgrimage. She has been undertaking extensive walks across the varied and often challenging terrain of Wiltshire, a county known for its rolling hills and picturesque countryside. These preparatory journeys have not only strengthened her physical resilience but have also provided her with moments of reflection and a growing sense of accomplishment. Iconic local landmarks, such as the Landsdowne Monument, have served as backdrops to her training, symbolizing the enduring strength and the upward climb towards recovery and advocacy.

The Camino Francés, a historic pilgrimage route stretching over 800 kilometers from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, is a fitting choice for Cathy’s challenge. While she will be tackling a significant portion of it, approximately 115km, the symbolic weight of walking such a renowned path is immense. It represents a journey of self-discovery, endurance, and spiritual renewal, all of which are integral to Cathy’s personal narrative of overcoming adversity. The physical act of putting one foot in front of the other, day after day, for an extended period, is a powerful metaphor for the ongoing process of healing and rebuilding one’s life after a major health crisis.

Cathy’s proactive approach to her health and her unwavering commitment to raising awareness are inspiring. By sharing her story, she is not only offering hope to other SCAD survivors but is also educating the public about a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or perceived health status. Her walk is a powerful statement against the invisibility of certain diseases and a vibrant call to action for greater awareness, research, and support for those affected by SCAD and other under-diagnosed cardiovascular conditions in women. Her personal triumph over two heart attacks is now being transformed into a public service, a testament to her strength, her compassion, and her indomitable spirit. The 115km walk is more than just a distance; it’s a symbol of her journey from vulnerability to strength, from silence to advocacy, and from survival to thriving.