Red bench marks runner's recovery from heart attack

"The British Heart Foundation is unveiling red benches to celebrate the 'living memory' of people who have survived a cardiovascular condition, marking their 65th anniversary with 65 benches across the UK."

"Bill Lonsdale, a 74-year-old heart attack survivor, has completed 25 marathons since his heart attack and is preparing for the 2026 London Marathon to raise money for the charity."

"Lonsdale's condition was diagnosed as familial hypercholesterolaemia, which causes cholesterol to build up in the arteries, and he had 'absolutely no indication that something was coming'."

"The 'living memory' benches aim to start conversations about heart health, at a time when someone in the UK dies from cardiovascular disease every three minutes."

The British Heart Foundation has introduced red benches to honor individuals who have survived cardiovascular conditions, marking their 65th anniversary with 65 benches across the UK. One bench in Southall Park is dedicated to Bill Lonsdale, a heart attack survivor and marathon runner. After suffering a heart attack in 2017, Lonsdale was initially told he could not run again, but a supportive cardiologist encouraged him. His condition was diagnosed as familial hypercholesterolaemia. The benches aim to raise awareness about heart health, as cardiovascular disease claims a life every three minutes in the UK.

Read at www.bbc.com