11/10/2026
A patient who suffered a major heart attack while working at Sellafield has raised £2,000 for The Heart Centre at Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
Paul Hunter suffered his heart attack in May 2013 and was rushed to The Heart Centre, where he underwent emergency surgery and had a number of stents fitted into his collapsed arteries.
More than a decade later, Paul decided to give something back to the team who cared for him by taking on a fundraising challenge with his family.
In July, Paul, his daughters Brooke and Maddi, and his son-in-law Scott cycled approximately 80 miles along the Great Glen Way, from Fort William to Inverness, over two days, stopping at Fort Augustus along the route.
The challenge raised £2,000 for The Heart Centre at Cumberland Infirmary.
Speaking about his experience and why he wanted to support the Heart Centre, Paul said: “On 1st May 2013, everything changed for me. I suffered a major heart attack and was rushed to The Heart Centre where I underwent emergency surgery to have stents fitted into my collapsed arteries.
“From the moment I arrived, I was surrounded by highly skilled doctors, nurses, and specialists who work every day to treat people with serious heart conditions. The Heart Centre provides life-saving emergency care and supports patients through recovery and rehabilitation - helping people get back to their families and everyday lives.
“Heart disease affects so many families. Most people will know someone - a parent, grandparent, friend, or colleague - who has been impacted. Until it happens to you, you don’t realise just how vital these services are.
“More than 10 years later, I wanted to give something back.”
The money raised will help support the work of The Heart Centre and its doctors, nurses and wider team, who provide vital emergency and ongoing care to patients with serious heart conditions.
For Paul and his family, the Great Glen Way challenge was a way of saying thank you to the team who cared for him during one of the most frightening moments of his life.
Thank you Paul for your generous donation! ⭐🚴