A DROITWICH councillor will be taking on a walking challenge to raise vital cash for a cause close to him just four months after a near-fatal heart attack.
On Friday, October 3, Coun Richard Morris, the leader of Wychavon, woke up early and went on his usual dog walk, when he began to feel a bit unwell and started sweating, and shortly after arriving home, his heart had stopped.
Luckily, his brother was on hand to call 999 and give him CPR, and now he is on the road to recovery.
Coun Morris is looking to do his bit to help those who go through similar ordeals by taking on the ‘Walk For Hearts’ in February to raise cash for the British Heart Foundation.
So far, he has raised £285 for the charity, more than double the target on his JustGiving page.
Coun Morris said: “After my experience, I have the desire to thank those who helped me, but also try to help those who may experience similarly and need support.
“The British Heart Foundation is so important with the work they do and I am so pleased to sign up for their ‘Walk for Hearts’ during February.
“Before my heart attack, I walked at least 10,000 steps every day for over five years, and I am building strength and ability to get back to that level.
“I take the dogs on my walks and enjoy meeting and talking with others, too, so it becomes quite social. We have many great green spaces in Droitwich to enjoy.
“The ‘Walk for Hearts’ means I can get walking and, hopefully, raise money for the British Heart Foundation.”
Last week, Coun Morris attended his first Wychavon District Council meeting since his heart attack.
He said he now wants to emphasise how precious life is and to encourage people to cherish every day with family and friends.
The Walk For Hearts challenge runs throughout February and is open to anyone who wants to take part.
People can walk 28, 50, or 100 miles in February, and it can be completed wherever best suits the fundraiser.
Visit justgiving.com/page/richard-morris-1769171474628? to donate to Coun Morris’s fundraiser.
Visit bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/events/virtual/walk-for-hearts to sign up for the ‘Walk For Hearts’ challenge.
