Captain Lawrence keeps running, 5 years after heart surgery

James Qualtrough | May 18, 2012 | 0 Comments

A man who has recently celebrated his 80^th birthday has just undergone surgery in Jersey to renew his implantable defibrillator (ICD) battery.

In 2006, Captain Frank Lawrence was the first person to have an ICD implanted within the Channel Islands. At that time, he had serious heart rhythm problems but soon after the procedure, his health started to improve significantly.

He remains an honorary member of the Crapaud Hash House Harriers, and runs a few miles a week.

Consultant Cardiologist Dr Andrew Mitchell said: “The ICD programme in Jersey has been a tremendous success. We are able to implant the devices and follow patients up at the hospital which is far more convenient for patients, as well as saving a large amount of money in off-Island spend”.

This week is World Heart Rhythm Week. One in four of the population will have a heart rhythm problem at some point in their life.

The Jersey Heart Support Group are helping raise awareness of heart disease as well as raising funds to help the cardiac service in the Channel Islands. For more information visit: http://www.jerseyheartsupportgroup.org.