Mike's Story

Opportunity out of tragedy; Mike’s phenomenal journey

Two years ago, at the age of 41, Samantha Shattock’s life changed forever when she had a devastating cardiac arrest that stopped her heart for 40 minutes, causing severe brain injury.  
 
Sam went from an active young woman, a wife and a mother of two teenagers to a woman who was unable to speak or communicate. She was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN), where she is now one of our long term residents. Sam’s story, though rare, is one that can affect any of us.
 
Sam’s husband Mike has been through a heart-rending situation that many of us cannot begin to imagine. Yet, in the face of this tragedy, he has shown phenomenal strength and energy by organising a whole host of amazing challenges ranging from a gruelling London to Paris fixed-wheel bike ride, through to an arduous climb of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
 
In April he will be running the Virgin London Marathon in a bid to meet his target of £30,000 for the RHN towards which he has so far raised over £24,000. For Mike, embarking on these challenges is a way for him to come to terms with the life-changing events of the last two years and do something for his wife that will make her proud.

Strangely enough, Mike doesn’t even like running – now that IS a challenge! 
 
Anna Wall-Budden, Community and Events Executive at RHN says:
 
“We are so grateful to Mike for everything he has done and continues to do for the RHN. People like Mike really are so vital to the services we offer at the RHN and we can’t say thank you enough. Not only is Mike making a difference to his wife Sam’s life here, he is also helping the many other patients and residents who use the therapies and services funded solely by voluntary donations”.
 
As February is the start of National Heart Month, the RHN is taking time to explore the amazing stories of patients and families who are affected by a neuro-disability as a result of heart complications. These stories of tragedy, resilience, and strength never cease to inspire us.


Mike has inspired many with his energy and has attracted fantastic support from friends, colleagues, RHN staff and through his Facebook page. If you want to find out more and make a donation to Mike, visit

www.justgiving.com/yellowbeetlechallenge or

www.yellowbeetlechallenge.co.uk