A Stoke on Trent man who underwent lifesaving surgery is vowing to match the cost of his replacement heart valve through fundraising challenges including an ‘indoor triathlon’ for the British Heart Foundation.

Peter Holdcroft, 61, a retired insurance broker was born with a bicuspid aortic heart valve, which is when the heart’s main valve only has two flaps of skin rather than the usual three. These flaps, called leaflets, help control blood flow around the body.

He was unaware of his condition until he completed the 2015 Potters’ Half Marathon and felt unwell. He was diagnosed with an aortic aneurism, a weakness in a blood vessel which bulges. Regular monitoring of the aneurysm is usually required. [WS1] Peter eventually underwent open heart surgery to replace the valve and repair the aneurism at the Royal Stoke Hospital in 2018.

Later, in May 2023, he was fitted with a pacemaker, which is a small electrical device that’s put under the skin in your chest. It's used to treat some abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias that can cause your heart to beat too slowly or miss beats.

Peter Holdcroft pictured after walking his first 100 metres following heart surgery

placeholder image — Peter Holdcroft pictured after walking his first 100 metres following heart surgery

Peter said: “I have been very lucky to have received so much expert care and treatment, and I want to give back. I was told that the valve replacement would have cost £16,000 if I had needed to pay for it. I decided to raise that amount to donate to the British Heart Foundation to fund research.

“I've gradually built my fitness again and did the Manchester Half Marathon last year and completed two half marathons in May within the space of 5 days. I turned 60 last year and I promised myself that I would complete 60 challenges.”

Peter’s next challenge will be an indoor triathlon at Kidsgrove Leisure Centre on July 18 when he’ll be completing a 750m swim, 20km cycle spin and a 5km run. Donate here: Peter Holdcroft is fundraising for British Heart Foundation

“I’m grateful to Kidsgrove Leisure Centre for facilitating it for me. It means the world to me to be able to keep going with my fundraising to reach my target and help the BHF fund further research.”

Peter Holdcroft after finishing an earlier challenge - the Holme Pierrepont Half Marathon

Zoe Roberts, British Heart Foundation fundraising manager said: “We are so very grateful to Peter for taking on this incredible challenge and pledging to raise such a huge amount for the British Heart Foundation.

“Through donating to Peter’s fundraising link, you will help the BHF power ground-breaking cardiovascular research to save and improve lives, bring hope to families, and keep hearts beating across the UK.

“It is only through donations and fundraising like this that the BHF can fund advances in research that will get us closer than ever to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.”