A 60-year-old woman living with heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has completed a 60km charity walk, raising £890 just two days before her milestone birthday.
Sylvia Beaton undertook the demanding challenge in memory of her mother, who died from a heart condition. Her mother had undergone major heart surgery three years before her passing — time that Sylvia says was made possible through research supported by the British Heart Foundation.
“There’s hardly a part of my life that heart disease hasn’t influenced,” Sylvia shared. She also revealed that her younger brother, despite being fit and active, later required complex bypass surgery, reinforcing the strong genetic link within her family.
A personal mission beyond fundraising
Sylvia set herself six challenges to mark her 60th birthday, describing the 60km walk as the toughest. Despite the strain of COPD, she persevered, drawing strength from colleagues at Hanover Scotland who joined her during parts of the route and supported her fundraising efforts.
“Some days were incredibly tough,” she admitted. “But I pushed through knowing I was doing this for those we’ve lost and for those who may not yet realise they’re at risk.”
Raising awareness of ‘silent’ symptoms
Beyond fundraising, Sylvia aimed to highlight how heart disease can present differently in women. She described surviving what she calls a ‘silent’ heart attack, experiencing burning pain in her chest and jaw rather than typical symptoms.
“If I hadn’t trusted my instincts, I might not be here today,” she said, urging others to consult their GP if something feels unusual.
Having completed the walk on February 7, 2026, Sylvia hopes her story inspires others to prioritise their health.
“You don’t need to be an athlete to set a goal,” she said. “If my story encourages just one person to check their health, it’s all been worth it.”