Dunstable runner takes on half marathon after dad’s heart attack

Jess Jackson, 27, will run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London on Sunday, October 11, in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The NHS Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, who was born and raised in Dunstable, turned to running in as a way of keeping fit and managing her own mental health.

But her decision to take on the half marathon has a much deeper meaning after her dad survived a heart attack in December 2022.

Jess was studying for a postgraduate certificate and working as a trainee therapist when her 60-year-old dad became seriously unwell on December 20.

She said he described his pain as though somebody was crushing both of his biceps, while also experiencing pain across his chest and back.

Due to him not experiencing what he thought were the “classic” symptoms of a heart attack, it was not initially suspected. But paramedics sent to the home carried out an ECG and informed the family he was having a heart attack.

Jess said: “My heart sank and all of a sudden I felt as though everything around me wasn’t real, almost like I was watching a film play out.”

Her dad was taken by ambulance to Harefield Hospital, a specialist heart and lung hospital, with his condition described as time-critical.

During the journey, his ECG readings continued to change and additional paramedics were called to provide further treatment.

Jess said the surgeon told him: “You are lucky to have made it to this hospital alive tonight; you have a blockage in your heart that keeps changing from 99 per cent to 100 per cent blocked.”

He was able to return home three days later – just in time for Christmas.

Jess said the experience changed the outlook of the whole family and she underwent treatment for PTSD symptoms following what happened.

Her dad’s recovery has continued with specialist physiotherapy and regular medication, and he has since returned to living a normal life.

Since his heart attack, the family has travelled to Florida, while Jess completed her postgraduate certificate and graduated with her dad there.

One of the most important moments came when he was able to walk Jess down the aisle at her wedding last year.

She said it was “A day and moment I am sure we will never forget.”

Jess said the care her dad received from NHS 111, paramedics, surgeons, nurses and other healthcare workers inspired her to raise money for the BHF.

She said: “Without all the incredible people involved in dad’s care, from the 111 call handler to the paramedics, surgeons, nurses and more, my dad would not be alive today.

“Ultimately, without all the fantastic work the British Heart Foundation do, the treatment and technology wouldn’t have been available that night to save my dad’s life.

“That is my reason. That is why I am raising money for the British Heart Foundation and why it is a charity so close to mine and my family’s hearts.”

Jess has been fundraising for four months and has so far raised £1,000 through her JustGiving page and has also received support from businesses.

Cafe Masala in Eaton Bray is holding a banquet night on Thursday, October 8, with a multi-course meal costing £25 per person, The restaurant will donate £8 from each meal sold to the British Heart Foundation.

Cupcakes and More by Victoria Jane is also holding an online raffle, with tickets costing £2.

The winner will receive a bento box containing a four-inch cake and eight cupcakes, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Jess is now running around four times a week as she prepares for the half marathon.

She said: “I will never be able to fully express my gratitude to all those involved in dad’s care that night.

“But I made a promise to myself that I would do something to give back what I can, so running 13.1 miles for an absolutely incredible cause it is.”