I am Patrick. I was born in 1982 with Tricuspid Atresia and had my Fontan procedure at Myrtle Street, Liverpool in 1988. A few years ago, I was fortunate to meet my surgeon, Roxanne McKay, at a NW ACHD convention in Liverpool.
In early 2024, while preparing to join the PPV team and completing my Level 4 Counsellor training, I experienced a stroke that affected my balance and speech. After a year of recovery, I restarted my Counselling course in February 2025 with a first-year group, and returned to placement that summer after an 18‑month break. I am now nearly halfway through my placement, approaching 50 hours. I reapplied to join the PPV Group in 2025 and am pleased to be part of the team.
Regarding my cardiac health, I have had several pacemakers and ablations, with many hospital stays at Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital. I lived with AF since my teens but have been free of it since my last ablation in May 2022. My heart health has been stable for the past couple of years, though I will eventually need a transplant. I currently see my cardiologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary and have annual online appointments with the transplant team at The Freeman, Newcastle.
I am preparing a presentation on CHD and mental health for my Counselling course in January. After a challenging year, I look forward to a more positive future.