Chippenham woman walking 115 km across Spain to raise money for Beat SCAD
A SCAD heart attack survivor hopes to increase awareness and funding for research
A Chippenham woman is preparing to walk a remarkable 115 kilometres across Spain's Camino Frances to raise money for survivors of a rare heart attack.
Cathy Read is taking on the challenge in support of Beat SCAD, a charity supporting research and awareness for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
SCAD causes the arteries near the heart to tear or bruise, cutting off blood supply and triggering unpredictable heart attacks.
She's aiming to raise £2,000 for the charity, which supports research and provides resources for SCAD survivors.
Personal experience with SCAD
Cathy experienced her first SCAD heart attack at 37.
She told us she had no prior risk factors like high cholesterol or blood pressure, the attack came out of the blue while she was walking the South West Coastal Path in Cornwall.
“I didn’t know what was happening, which I think is quite common for women. Our symptoms of heart attack are different to what you seen the movies,” Cathy explained.
After experiencing reoccurring symptoms for a month, she finally sought medical help, which led to a diagnosis. Now, years later, she is using her experiences to raise awareness about SCAD and educate people on heart disease risks in women.
She said: "I think it's important that we raise awareness of the fact that heart disease is the biggest killer of women in the UK.
"I think we've done great work in raising awareness of cancers that affect women. And and now I think we need to expand that conversation and also include heart disease so that women understand the risks and you know that they should be going to get their numbers checked with their GP."
Raising money and spreading awareness
Beat SCAD was started by three survivors, who themselves experienced a lack of information and support following their own diagnosis.
The charity focuses on funding crucial research and supporting those impacted by the condition, which includes running annual conferences and managing a survivor network.
Cathy said it's critical more is known about the condition.
"As much as they can, health professionals do give us ways to try and manage that risk because they think that two of the factors that could cause a SCAD are exercise and emotional stress, so I know that I should keep my heart rate below 120, and I am at less risk within that zone," she said.
While Cathy's main fundraising target is £2,000, she’s also keen to educate others on female heart conditions. She's encouraging people to learn about the signs of female heart attacks and consider CPR training through the British Heart Foundation, which offers free sessions.
“There’s still so much unknown about SCAD, but understanding the risks and symptoms of heart disease in women is so important. Raising awareness is just as critical as raising funds,” Reed said.
Choosing Camino Frances as the challenge
Cathy told us walking the Camino Frances in Spain felt like the perfect challenge for her, offering time for reflection while remaining a manageable activity for her heart condition.
“I was drawn to the idea of pilgrimage after watching the movie ‘The Way’," she said. "It’s a hopeful and quiet activity that allows me to stay in my safe zone, keeping my heart rate below 120."
Cathy has already accumulated miles during her training in Wiltshire, covering around 170 miles in preparation for the journey.
We can support her efforts through Cathy's JustGiving page. She begins her walk on 1st May.