Quadruple Heart Bypass Patient Steps Up for Half Marathon

Media Release

13th September

Quadruple Heart Bypass Patient Steps Up for Hatuma Lime Half Marathon

A quadruple heart bypass patient is stepping up for one of his biggest physical challenges since surgery - set to compete in the Hatuma Lime Half Marathon with his wife and three children.

Two years years ago Phil Sivewright nearly died after suffering a massive heart attack, since then he’s worked hard to get back on track.

Taking a positive from the negative, he wasted no time in setting wheels in motion for a healthier lifestyle and is now training for the Hatuma Half Marathon.

“I really love exercise now, it’s become part of my existence, I chose to see this as a second chance. I have managed to decrease my weight substantially – something I am still working on.”

On Christmas Eve, 2014, the 65-year-old was at work when his chest became tight and he couldn’t breathe.

“I thought it was a bout of angina so I stepped outside for some fresh air, the reality was far more serious,” Phil said.

“Next thing I was being sent to Wellington Hospital for surgery. I assumed I would have a couple of stents put in and be back on deck, I was actually in for a quadruple bypass. It was a real wake up call hearing that.”

From that moment life changed forever – Phil quit smoking immediately, and started walking every day – small steps at first, then bigger distances until 5km a day became part of his routine.

On weekends he covered 10km or 15km, now he has a new goal – walking the entire 21km Hatuma Lime Half Marathon in Waipukurau on Sunday 18th September.

“After the surgery, I was told it all went well and I could live another 20 or 30 years. But the ball was in my court to change my lifestyle, to remove the risk factors to extend my life – I would be stupid not to sit up and listen.

“The rehab booklet I was given became my bible, I enjoy the challenge but decided to dangle another carrot for myself and the Hatuma Lime Half Marathon gives me something to work towards.”

It will be a family affair with sons Mark, 40, Grant, 36, and daughter Kerry, 38, Joining him on the course for, “company and support”.

Wife Wendy was a huge part of his recovery in the two years after surgery and also aimed to lace up her sneakers for the first 5km.

“Dad has gone from near death, to fit and healthy and we are all so proud, “ daughter Kerry Sivewright said.

“I’m half his age and when we go for a walk it’s me trying to keep up with him, especially on the hills.”

The team have called themselves Fatman’s Trackers and want to encourage others to give it a go.

“I feel better now than I have in a long time, and I put that down to regular exercise. I set the challenge for anyone who has recovered from heart surgery to sign up, I’d love to meet them,” Philip said.

Hatuma Half Marathon has been running for more than 30-years and covers the entire circumfrence of Lake Hatuma.

Hatuma Lime Company Director, Aaron Topp says the Hatuma Lime Half Marathon is attracting huge interest from across the Hawke’s Bay region, including entries from corporate teams, school children and families.

“It’s awesome to see such a wide range of competitors. The Hatuma Lime Half Marathon brings the community together and has been a popular event on the CHB calendar for many years. We are proud to sponsor such a popular sporting event.”

People can enter as individuals or teams – either tackling the course together or in 5km relay blocks.

The Half Marathon starts at 8.30am on September 18. Entry is $15 for an individual or $30 for a team.

Register online at sporty.co.nz before Wednesday, September 14 or on the day from7am at Waipukurau Racecourse, for an additional $5 fee.

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