Turning tragedy into purpose: Natasha's mission for heart health

“Anthony’s passing was like a bolt out of the blue,” explained mother-of-four Natasha. “Nothing could have prepared us for it. He had always been quite active and, having already built his own dairy business from scratch, was excited about the new venture he was on the verge of launching.

“Once we understood what had caused Anthony’s death, we decided that, as a family, we wanted to do everything we could to raise awareness of his condition,” said Natasha, So, when she chanced across the article in 360 Wellbeing, seeking HUC’s assistance to help her spread the word seemed entirely logical.

“It all happened very quickly,” recalled Natasha. “Anthony got diagnosed with high cholesterol in April 2023. However, we never imagined for a minute that we’d lose him inside the space of a few months.“It was a really tough time for me – I was 34 weeks pregnant when Anthony passed, and his funeral took place just five days before I gave birth to my youngest daughter.

“My mum Joanna also suffers from high cholesterol, as well as angina. In addition, mum’s dad and his brother died aged 37 and 39 respectively from heart attacks. Unfortunately, it was only after Anthony had passed that we began to think this is too much of a coincidence, why are all the men on this side of the family dying at such a young age?

“It was only then that we learnt we’re predisposed to a genetic condition, familial hypercholesterolemia [FH], which significantly increases the risk of early cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.”

Fortunately, it transpired neither Natasha nor her younger brother, Steve, had inherited the condition. Nevertheless, with the loss of Anthony, they have made it their mission to encourage others to think more about their heart health and, at the same time, raise vital funds for HEART UK.

The charity is the only one in the country dedicated to supporting individuals affected by high cholesterol and related conditions and provides information support and advocacy to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Natasha and Steve raised more than £2,000 for the Berkshire-based charity when they undertook a marathon walk in memory of Anthony last year. However, the siblings are intent on bettering that total in 2025, during which they intend not only to repeat their 26.2m hike but to run three half marathons and compete the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales inside the space of 24 hours.

“If any of my friends or colleagues at HUC would like to support our charitable endeavours that would be wonderful and I’d be incredibly grateful,” said Natasha.

You can lend your support to the family’s fundraising efforts here.

While Natasha is delighted that she and her brother have raised more than 2k for a charity so close to their hearts, it’s a bonus that her fundraising efforts have also helped her to lose more than three stone.

“I love my job at HUC,” said Natasha, who has performed various roles since joining the organisation in 2018. “Unfortunately, while I spent a lot of time giving other people healthcare advice, I wasn’t living as healthily as I should have been myself. I got lazy and all too often a takeaway was an easier option than finding the time to eat well and work out.

“And while it was a huge relief that I don’t have FH, Anthony’s passing came as a huge wake-up call. I couldn’t contemplate leaving my four children without a mum, so that has motivated me to move more, eat less and make better lifestyle choices.