Rhys unveils red bench 'in living memory'

A Penarth man who survived a health scare has unveiled a red bench to mark the British Heart Foundation's 65th anniversary.

Rhys Edwards was fitted with a pacemaker after he overcame a rare virus while on a work trip to New York.

His story is being shared by BHF Cymru as part of its 'In Living Memory' campaign, dedicated to those who are living with cardiovascular disease in the UK.

The charity has been funding lifesaving research into heart and circulatory conditions since it was founded in 1961.

Four years ago, Rhys (35) married his pregnant wife Georgia, surrounded by family and friends.

"It was the happiest time of my life," he said. "We had our little boy Archie there, and we'd just found out Georgia was expecting our daughter Wynny. Everything felt perfect."

But just days later, Rhys began to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms - and two weeks after the wedding, he boarded a flight for a work trip to New York, when his condition deteriorated.

"Georgia told me not to go, but I thought I could push through...my body was sore, walking was hard, and then I noticed a strange rash across my chest. I thought it was just a nasty virus."

Rhys called his boss after landing and went to hospital.

"I wasn't worried", he said. "I thought they'd give me some meds and send me home. But when they scanned me, my temperature was 39 degrees, and things spiralled from there."

"I remember watching my heart rate drop from the 60s to 35 beats per minute. That's when it hit me - something was seriously wrong."

Doctors had found Rhys' heart was in distress and he was transferred to a cardiac clinical care unit, before undergoing emergency surgery at 5am to fit a temporary transvenous pacemaker, which is a line inserted down the right jugular vein directly into the heart.

It had an immediate effect, and although Rhys stabilised at a rate of 80 beats per minute, he became entirely dependent on the pacemaker.

"Later that day, the machine was accidentally disconnected, and my heart stopped immediately. I honestly thought I'd died."

"I fell unconscious and remember feeling a sense of warmth and euphoria, I was unbelievably happy, sitting with my son and talking to my dad who passed away years ago."

"Then I woke up to doctors shaking me. That was the moment I realised how close I'd come."

Later that day, Rhys was fitted with a temporary pacemaker, externally located but attached to his chest, reducing the chances of another accidental disconnection.

Further tests revealed the cause: a rare strain of coxsackie virus, which is linked to hand, foot and mouth disease. "It was surreal. One day I was healthy, the next I was fighting for my life because of a virus I'd never heard of", he said.

Rhys spent nearly two weeks in the CCU and then underwent another procedure to fit a permanent pacemaker. He was discharged the following morning, but had to stay in a hotel for another week before flying home to Wales to start a long and painful recovery.

"The physical side was tough, but the mental side was brutal. I had panic attacks, constant anxiety, and I didn't even have the strength to pick up my son. That broke me."

Rhys' pacemaker was later removed - and now, he is monitored via an implantable loop recorder as he slowly rebuilds his life.

"I'm not the same person I was before. I still get flutters and worry about pushing myself too hard. But I focus on gratitude—watching my kids play, enjoying the little things."

Two years ago, Georgia ran the Cardiff Half Marathon in ahead of the British Health Foundation, which Rhys credits for their vital support.

"Their nurse helpline was a lifeline for me", he said. "I want people to know there is life after a heart scare, but recovery takes time. Don't rush it. Seek help - especially for your mental health."

Rhys' bench in Alexandra Park has been repainted in red by Vale of Glamorgan Council as a permanent reminder of his story and his message to those facing similar worries.

"If you're feeling unwell for too long, see a doctor. Don't assume it's just a bug. If I hadn't spoken to my boss that day, I would have died on the plane home. If you've been through a health scare like this, I'd say take it one day at a time, and just be thankful you're here."

More than 400,000 people in Wales are living with cardiovascular disease - and every three minutes, someone in the UK dies from the condition.

Each year, more than 2,000 people are fitted with a pacemaker, helping to manage abnormal heart rates and/or rhythms.

BHF Cymru says it's urging people to donate so they can help fund more research which will lead to further breakthroughs that help people live longer.

Rhodri Thomas, head of BHF Cymru, said: "Rhys' story shows the true reality of living with cardiovascular disease, and we are so grateful that they are courageously sharing their experiences to help others."

"Despite being one of the UK's biggest killers, cardiovascular disease is still misunderstood or not taken seriously – and those living with it can face judgement and challenges."

"By sharing the stories of people who live with cardiovascular disease on our iconic red benches across the UK, we hope to start more conversations that change dangerous misconceptions."

"Research will help us save and improve more lives, but the only way we can fund the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow is thanks to the public's generous donations."

Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Lis Burnett said: "Rhys' bench not only recognises a courageous young man and his family, but also represents the wider work being done to help people with cardiovascular disease."

"It proudly celebrates Rhys' life and the many others that have been saved because of advances in this field."

"Rhys has shown real bravery in sharing his experience. Hopefully, this can help others also dealing with a condition that remains both misunderstood and one of the UK's biggest killers."

"Spreading Rhys' story through his red bench will increase awareness. It will also save lives by raising money for valuable research into cardiovascular disease so further strides can be made in its treatment."

And the red bench meets with Rhys' approval.

"The location is perfect, as I walk past it on a regular basis with the kids and our dog. We love to stop at the little park on the way down to Penarth Pier, and again on the way home."

"Alexandra Park is a beautiful location, where you can truly enjoy being surrounded by nature and it offers a calming space to take some time to reflect."