Tony Eames (32), a member of CRY’s myheart group, has played an exciting role in the lead up the London 2012 Paralympic Games by carrying the torch as part of its 92miles journey across Britain.
Tony, from Wokingham, also received widespread media coverage from broadcasters such as ITN as he took part in the world famous torch relay on Monday as he stood on the steps of the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu temple in Willesden, Brent.
Tony says: “Taking part in the Paralympic Games Torch relay was a great achievement and one that signifies the progress I’ve made since being diagnosed with long QT syndrome (Sudden Death Syndrome) aged 12 which caused sudden cardiac blackouts. For eight years my family doctor had treated my fainting attacks as epilepsy and attention seeking panic attacks. It was suggested that I be sent to a psychiatric institution, something my parents refused to allow. No-one had tested my heart and all the time I was at risk of a sudden fatal attack from the rare heart condition.
“Following various investigations I was diagnosed and had the condition controlled by daily beta blockers and had a pacemaker fitted aged 18. It was difficult to overcome the challenges, however I am delighted that thanks to the medical support, today, I live a full and energetic life focusing on achieving personal goals.”
myheart, is a specialist network of regional groups that offers help, support and information to young people coping with the diagnosis of a heart condition. myheart aims to reach out to young people aged 12-35 who believed themselves to be fit and healthy but have been diagnosed with and treated for a heart condition.
