Meet the heart survivors transforming their lives and their communities

Those are the words of Omar, who is now on a mission to encourage parents to take better care of their health – for their own sake and for their families.

Dad of four Omar, from Preston, had been living with high blood pressure for a decade, but in 2022, he experienced a serious wake-up call – a heart attack.

After undergoing heart surgery, Omar fell into a period of depression, realising he had ignored repeated warnings from healthcare professionals about his condition. He wrestled with guilt, feeling he had put his wife and three young children through unnecessary trauma.

With the support of his family and faith, Omar began a journey of self-reflection, coming to terms with how close he had come to losing everything.

"I had a huge realisation that things had to quickly change," Omar said. "I've got four kids, three of them under the age of ten, and that's what made me panic.

"My daughter has just started high school, and I think about how that could have easily been her first day without me.

"I need to be there for them."

Omar with his family in the park

Following his heart attack, Omar's clinician referred him to cardiac rehabilitation sessions run by Heartbeat, a local charity that helps people at risk of or living with heart conditions to become more active. He started small – walking around the car park with his coach – gradually building up his distance, pace, and confidence.

Now, after dropping his children off at school, Omar walks around the park for 45 minutes every day, something he was once too afraid to do alone.

Omar says the heart attack forced him to rethink his priorities, placing his family at the centre of his recovery. Together, they’ve embraced a healthier lifestyle.

"My kids were my main motivation," Omar said. "I'd given everything to my job, but I wasn't giving it to my family. Things had to change. And they did.

"I've learned that it's not just about me – it's about the wider family and community.

"I do a lot more with my children, I take my children to school and pick them up, we go on holiday more. 

"My children participate in lots of different activities, including swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, scooting and cycling around the park. 

"As a family we have a much healthier diet and lead a much more active lifestyle. "

Omar is one of a number of people who are telling their stories as part of a new public health campaign. Healthy Hearts is a Lancashire initiative, delivered in partnership with We Are Undefeatable, dedicated to supporting people living with heart and other long-term health conditions to move more – in ways that work for them.

Craig, from Hyndburn, was a bus driver for 25 years. Being a professional driver, he worked unsociable hours, leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Two years ago, Craig had a heart attack. 

While in hospital the Cardiac Rehabilitation team asked Craig what his goals were.

Craig said: “I want to live, be healthy again and be able to do what I want, when I want."

After a short recovery period in hospital, Craig was referred to a 12-week physical activity programme at his local leisure centre.

Initially Craig was hesitant, but he now attends a circuit session every Monday morning.

Craig attends a circuit session every week

Participating in the programme has given Craig confidence to do more and rekindle his lifelong hobbies which include walking, cycling and archery.

“My health is much better than it was a few years prior to my heart attack," Craig said. "I’m definitely feeling much fitter.

“I’ve noticed that my pace has increased and I’ve got more stamina to walk and cycle for longer periods of time.

"Despite the odd ache and pain which I think is just part of growing older, I’ve got more energy and find doing everyday tasks much easier.”

Angela, from Blackburn with Darwen, is another inspiring voice in the campaign.

She lives with multiple health conditions, including Crohn’s disease, vascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and glaucoma – and has survived a heart attack, two strokes, and four transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

Following her heart attack, Angela joined a cardiac rehabilitation programme, where she discovered new ways to stay active.

She now attends weekly ‘Aquastride’ classes at her local leisure centre. She says being in the water “invigorates” her and eases the intense pain she usually feels in her legs.

Angela said: “I’m determined I’m not going to be beaten by my conditions.

 "The more active I am, the better I am.” 

Getting active in the water has invigorated Angela

Determined to encourage others in his community to become more active, Omar has set up ‘Dads and Lads’ swimming and 'Women-only swim and gym' classes at his local leisure centre, West View Leisure Centre.

Omar, a practicing Muslim, is particularly keen to spread awareness within his community.

"It's hard for men to talk about their dark, dark days that they have. And within our community, it's difficult for men to talk about.

"After the heart attack, I don't need to carefully tread as much. I can be a little bit straight to the point. But then they open up and say, this is the reason why

"As I keep telling everyone I speak to – to heal, you must reveal."

Cllr Daniel Matchett, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“The Healthy Hearts campaign, possible thanks to Sport England investment, is a powerful example of how we can work together with local communities and charities to make a real difference.

"By sharing personal stories like Omar’s, Angela, Craig's and others, we hope to inspire others to take small steps towards improving their physical and mental health – steps that can lead to life-changing outcomes.”

To find out more about Healthy Hearts, visit: Healthy Hearts - Lancashire County Council