Stories

Well-known New Zealand entrepreneur, businessman, husband, father and grandfather, Mike Pero, thought he was bulletproof until a wake-up call set him on a path to take extra care of his heart.

45-year-old Auckland-based Matt has always been the outdoorsy, active type. He never thought he’d be affected by heart disease. But when taking part in a marathon he began to feel worryingly unwell.

After losing her partner to a heart attack and facing years of her own heart issues, Lesly now manages her health with a pacemaker, staying active and supporting the Heart Foundation to raise awareness about heart health.

When Dr Janice Chew-Harris’ uncle died from a heart attack at just 48 years old, she knew she wanted to make a difference.

After surviving a heart attack with unexpected symptoms, Debbie has embraced lifestyle changes and actively supports the Heart Foundation, raising awareness about heart health and the importance of prevention.

Despite undergoing two open-heart surgeries as a child, Aleisha has remained active and recently completed a 50km challenge for the Heart Foundation. Now she is supporting the Big Heart Appeal to ensure others with heart conditions can lead full, healthy lives.

From running for New Zealand to becoming a superstar mother of five, Sarah has faced her fair share of hard work and determination. However, nothing could have prepared her for a shocking heart attack.

Throughout her life, heart disease has impacted Christina in more ways than one. After tragically losing her first husband to a cardiac arrest and witnessing her current husband have a heart attack, her goal is to raise life-saving heart health awareness.

Brian, an 80-year-old retired engineer living in Waiuku, has been a dedicated Heart Foundation volunteer and area coordinator for the past two years, inspired by his own journey with heart health.

Invercargill-based volunteer Sachira found purpose and community through the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal. Since joining as an area coordinator last year, he’s been inspired by the generosity and kindness of his community, spreading his own passion for giving back and encouraging others to do the same.

Margaret, a retired nurse from Reefton in the Buller area, has spent her life working in healthcare. She has witnessed firsthand the incredible advancements in heart research and volunteers every year for the Heart Foundation’s Big Heart Appeal.

Ken, a 76-year-old retiree from Paraparaumu Beach, has lived an active and successful life, keeping his body and mind engaged. However, at age 51, despite being fit and running marathons, Ken experienced a heart attack that changed his life.