A WOMAN who suffered a life-changing heart attack will stage an exhibition to fundraise for charity.
Jane Fisher, 60, was on a once-in-a-lifetime photography expedition to Iceland with her son Will, when she first noticed symptoms of breathlessness and chest pain while walking from the aircraft at Reykjavik Airport, but thought it was caused by carrying heavy camera equipment.
Jane, a change leadership consultant from Sparty Lea near Hexham, returned home and her symptoms continued. She was rushed to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary the next day, where she was told that she was having a heart attack.
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She said: “It was a pretty scary experience lying there on my own all night. I had no idea what was going to happen next and I just prayed that I would make it through to the morning. I was monitored all night, with regular blood tests."
Jane was diagnosed in March with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle wall becomes thickened and stiff, making it harder to pump blood out and around the body.
“The diagnosis came completely out of the blue. One week I was in the spectacular scenery of Iceland sharing an incredible trip with my son and thinking I was fairly invincible and the next my life had become terrifyingly precarious.”
Will and Jane will exhibit photographs from their Iceland trip titled ‘Adventure and Rejuvenation’, at the Allendale Forge Studios & Gallery from September 1 to 30.
The exhibition aims to raise more than £5,000 by selling framed photographs, prints and a calendar featuring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.
British Heart Foundation fundraising manager, Emily Petitjean, said: “Jane has shown the most remarkable spirit and generosity in pouring her efforts into curating the exhibition and calendar. The money she and Will raise from their spectacular images will help BHF keep its lifesaving research going and help us turn science fiction into reality.”
Will said: “While the obvious impacts of a diagnosed heart condition are physical, I also witnessed the mental and emotional toll this took on my mother - leaving her with little energy and motivation. I have been nothing but impressed with her desire and determination to make this project a roaring success, and I am excited to see how much money we can raise.”
Jane said: “I run my own consultancy business and am very used to being in control. I need to understand everything to make sense of it. I always asked many questions of doctors, but the extra support I got from BHF and Cardiomyopathy UK was incalculable in helping me come to terms with my diagnosis and providing me with reassurance.
“The information on the BHF website bhf.org.uk and cardiomyopathy website www.cardiomyopathy.org was so comprehensive and answered many of my questions.
“I know life has changed forever, but there are many positives. My diagnosis has taught me to be more mindful – to listen to the signs within my body, to stop when necessary, and to focus on what I enjoy doing for work and pleasure.
"I’m back walking on the moors, and now go swimming and do pilates to build up my stamina and strength. I’m looking forward to returning to my consultancy work whilst exploring new opportunities, including volunteering and creative writing alongside more photography and adventures.”
To support the exhibition, visit https://williamfisher.photos.
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