An Aberdeen firefighter who survived a near-fatal heart attack is preparing to tackle a gruelling challenge, along with his station workmates.
Greg Wilson suffered a sudden cardiac arrest two years ago, and was saved by the quick reactions of his brothers.
The 23-year-old now wants to raise as much money as he can for the charity that helped him, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS UK).
He will be joined by the rest of White Watch from Central Station in Aberdeen as they attempt to conquer three of the UK’s highest peaks, Snowdonia in Wales, Ben Nevis in Scotland and Scafell Pike in England, all within 24 hours.
Mr Wilson suffers from a rare heart condition known as Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW).
He said it was only good luck that his brothers – Graham, a doctor, and Dominic – were on hand to save him from what would have otherwise been a fatal arrhythmia.
“I have been thinking for a while now that I need to do something to raise some money for the charities that do a great deal to help those involved with these type of cardiac conditions and as such I have enlisted the help of some of my fellow firefighters,” he said.
WPW is caused by an additional electrical connection in the heart, known as an “accessory pathway”. This can cause rapid electrical conduction, creating a short circuit and in very rare circumstances it can lead to a cardiac arrest.
n the UK it is predicted that between one and three people in every 1,000 have the condition.
The young firefighter, who is from Inverness but lives in Aberdeen, is now fully fit and back to work.
He added: “We would also like to raise funds for the coronary care unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where I was successfully treated for the condition. It is thanks to their excellent staff that I have made a full recovery and have been able to return to active duty with White Watch.”
Station manager Mike Cordiner, said: “If the efforts of our crew can prevent the sudden death of just one young person then it will all be worthwhile. Greg has made a remarkable recovery and he is back doing the job he loves.”
Mr Wilson will be joined in the climbs on July 20 to July 22 by fellow firefighters Martin Vardy, Tony Armstrong, Ian Paterson, Mark Philip, Jamie Carnie, Mike McArthur, Don Mathieson and Bob McGregor.