Heart attack survivor helps bring vital new ECG machine to Newport cardiac rehab team

Peter Heathcote turns his own cardiac rehabilitation experience into fundraising success

A Newport heart attack survivor who was determined to “live life to the fullest” after his cardiac event will return to St Woolos Hospital next week for a very different reason – to help celebrate the arrival of a new ECG (electrocardiogram) machine for the cardiac rehabilitation team that supported him. 

Peter Heathcote will join patients, staff, supporters and invited guests at St Woolos Hospital on Thursday 1 October, when the Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund officially presents a new MAC 5 ECG machine to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department.

The presentation, from 4pm to 5.30pm, will be hosted by the Trust Fund and presented by HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant.

For Peter, the occasion brings his journey full circle.

In January 2025, the active Newport man suffered a major heart attack despite having no obvious warning that such an event was about to happen.

Just days before his heart attack, Peter had been enjoying an adventure in Mexico. His life has always revolved around being active and outdoors, including horse riding, travelling and adventures around the world.

The South Wales Argus subsequently told Peter’s story under the headline “Newport man ‘determined to live life to the fullest’ after heart attack”.

Read the South Wales Argus article about Peter’s heart attack and fundraising⁠ Newport man raises funds St Woolos Hospital cardiac unit | South Wales Argus

Following his hospital treatment, Peter discovered the importance of cardiac rehabilitation at St Woolos.

He describes the support of the team – and being able to speak to other people going through similar experiences – as a crucial part of his recovery.

“Having cardiac rehabilitation and being able to talk to other people who were going through the same thing was absolutely amazing,” Peter said.

“There were times when I would have questions or worries and simply being able to pick up the telephone and speak to the team made such a difference.”

Peter subsequently decided that he wanted to give something back.

Together with supporters, patients and staff, he helped raise funds towards equipment for the cardiac rehabilitation service.

The fundraising included a presentation of £2,171 towards cardiac rehabilitation, with Peter joined by representatives including HM Lord Lieutenant of Gwent and the Lord Mayor of Newport.

The campaign has now helped make the new ECG machine possible.

An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and can provide an important check for patients attending cardiac rehabilitation.

Peter believes having the equipment available within the department will provide reassurance for patients who may otherwise be worried about symptoms following a heart attack.

“When you’ve had a heart attack, every little sensation can make you wonder whether something is wrong,” Peter said.

“Having the equipment available within cardiac rehabilitation means the team can carry out an ECG when appropriate and provide reassurance much more quickly.”

He added: “This is about much more than an ECG machine. It’s about people helping people.”

“I know personally how important the cardiac rehabilitation team is. They were there for me when I was frightened and uncertain about what was happening to my body.”

“To now be able to help raise funds so that other patients can benefit from additional equipment is incredibly rewarding.”

The Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund says Peter’s fundraising grew directly from his own experience as a patient. The Trust Fund describes him as “The Patient Fundraiser” and says his efforts have supported the cardiac rehabilitation team at St Woolos.

Peter has since become an Ambassador for the Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund, continuing to raise awareness of the importance of cardiac rehabilitation. The Trust Fund says he became involved with the organisation in October 2025 following his fundraising after his heart attack. 

Dr Brian Begg, Chair of the Gwent Rehabilitation Trust Fund says “Peter’s story really captures what the Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund is about. He experienced first-hand the value of cardiac rehabilitation and then chose to give something back to help others going through the same journey. We’re incredibly grateful for Peter’s support and fundraising, and it’s fantastic to see that generosity translated into a piece of equipment that will directly benefit patients and the cardiac rehabilitation team at St Woolos.”

Ceri Kostin, Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Specialist, Service Lead from St Woolos Hospital added “As a service we are so grateful to Peter and the Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund for raising funds in order to be able to provide us with an ECG Machine. This piece of equipment will transform our care delivery for our cardiac patients within cardiac rehabilitation, enabling prompt holistic completion of investigations within our care setting as opposed to patients having to visit multiple hospital sites, which will allow seamless care delivery’.”

And, true to form, Peter hasn’t exactly slowed down since his heart attack.

His work as an ambassador has included raising awareness of cardiac rehabilitation and sharing his own experience, while continuing his love of horses, adventure and the outdoors.

The presentation of the new MAC 5 ECG machine takes place at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, Casnewydd Unit, First Floor, Penhow Ward, St Woolos Hospital, Newport, on Thursday 1 October from 4pm to 5.30pm.