Stroud Father's Marathon Triumph Two Years After Open Heart Surgery
Gareth Ponsford, a 45-year-old father-of-three from Stroud, is preparing to take on the ABP Newport Marathon this April, marking an incredible milestone just two years after undergoing open heart surgery. This will be his first road marathon, and he is eagerly anticipating testing his post-operative fitness limits.
A Fit Lifestyle Interrupted
Gareth, who works as an operations manager for the engineering company AVTPUMP, has always maintained an active and healthy lifestyle. A passionate rugby player, he turned to running in 2013 to recover from a leg fracture, eventually participating in numerous trail marathons and ultra marathons. However, in October 2021, he decided to take a brief break from running to allow his body to recuperate from the intense mileage.
"My body ached from rugby and running, but I attributed it to aging," Gareth explained. "I planned a three-month hiatus, but when I attempted to train again, everything felt unusually difficult. Initially, I suspected long COVID or a chest infection, but persistent chest pains during runs became unavoidable."
The Diagnosis and Critical Decision
Despite pushing through the discomfort, it wasn't until December 2023 that his wife, Carmel, persuaded him to consult a doctor. A scan at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in early January 2024 revealed a birth defect in his aortic valve, which had gradually collapsed over time.
"I expected a routine check-up, but they admitted me immediately," Gareth recalled. "The doctor presented two stark options: leave the hospital and risk sudden death or stay for heart surgery. The choice was obvious."
After four weeks of additional tests, he was transferred to the Bristol Heart Institute. Although stable, he learned that the chest pains might have been mini heart attacks. Faced with the choice between a pig's heart valve and a titanium one, Gareth opted for the latter to support his running ambitions, despite the lifelong requirement for blood thinners.
Recovery and Return to Running
At the end of January 2024, Gareth underwent an eight to twelve-hour life-saving surgery, followed by three days in intensive care. "The pain was excruciating, akin to being stabbed with a hot poker," he described. "Regular observations every four hours were necessary until I was deemed fit to return home."
Over the next six weeks, he gradually increased his walking from five to fifteen minutes daily. By March, he embarked on the Couch to 5K programme, and by September 2024, he completed his first post-surgery half marathon. "I focused on enjoyment rather than times, and I'm proud of my progress," Gareth shared. "Now, after exercising, I can hear my heart ticking—a curious reminder that my wife and others can also detect in quiet moments."
Looking Ahead to the Newport Marathon
Gareth's next challenge is the ABP Newport Marathon on Sunday, April 19. "I've never run a road marathon in Wales before," he said. "While I'm not the fastest, I recover quickly and am dedicated to my training. I'm immensely grateful to the NHS for their exceptional care. The past two years have been a whirlwind, but I feel fitter than I have in a decade and am excited for this new test."
Matt Newman, Chief Executive of event organisers Run 4 Wales, praised Gareth's journey: "His courage and determination are truly inspiring, embodying the spirit of the ABP Newport Marathon. It's a powerful testament to human resilience, and we're proud to host events that unite people and showcase their capabilities."
