A year ago, I was basking in an afterglow of achievement having recently completed the 70km larapinta trail with my daughter and granddaughter, each generation separated by 25 years. How quickly events can change. A year later and I am into the fifth week of a cardio rehab program following a triple bypass operation.

My experience highlights the fact that heart issues are of concern to the many rather than the few. From all appearances I was an unlikely candidate for heart problems, fit, with a good diet, no smoking and moderate alcohol intake. Yet successive high blood pressure readings sent my alarm bells ringing and ushered in a series of tests which confirmed the need for heart bypass surgery.

The cardiac team was first class; the operation was successful, with little pain and the post cardiac rehab program designed for the individual patient is underway with an expectation for a complete recovery.

The battery of tests undertaken as part of the process revealed I had a genetic inheritance which inhibited the breakdown of bad cholesterol. Research is underway to address this issue. What this discovery impressed upon me was the evolving understanding of the many  factors that affect heart heath and the opportunities available to better understand and find treatments for heart related issues.

The Baird Institute undertakes pioneering research into these emerging fields but like many non-for-profit organisations is reliant on the generosity and open heartedness of donors. From my personal experience it is a foundation whose work is deserving of your support.