“Life expectancy for many people with heart failure is five-to-ten years, I’ve been living with it for over 22 years now”
06:00, 24 Apr 2026
Aidan Flanagan(Image: Supplied)
A Co Down man has spoken about the life-changing influence of a support group has given him as he’s battled heart failure for more than two decades.
Aidan Flanagan from Downpatrick, has received his last rites on two instances, due to the illness, which which has significantly impacted his daily life through fatigue, ongoing medication and more challenges.
But despite those challenges, the 67-year-old remains determined to make the most of every day and recently helped organise a major fundraising motorcycle run to raise awareness of the condition. The event, held on Sunday, April 12, saw around 130 motorcyclists participate to raise awareness of heart failure and raised £2,000 for Heart Failure Warriors.
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Aidan was one of the brains behind the group’s recent motorcycle run. And the day didn’t just raise funds. Leaflets were also handed out to every rider in a bid to raise awareness about the life-changing condition. Aidan said the day provided an important opportunity for the group to speak openly with the public and educate them on what it was like to live with heart failure.
“There are a lot of misconceptions about heart failure,” he added.
“Events like this give us the chance to have proper conversations and help people understand what it’s really like to live with it. It was a lovely day out with some great scenery and BBC Sports Pundit Liam Beckett brought his wife along to have a cup of tea with us.
“It was ten pounds per bike but plenty of people gave more than that and there were riders of all levels who came together for the run which was great to see. There were trikes, there were Gold Wings, cruisers, and some old vintage bikes. There was even a guy with a small dog in a wee helmet.
“We had motorcyclists of all experience levels and the county down marshals made sure everything ran safely. We are hoping to have another run next year due to the success of this event.”
He said money raised from the day will be used in a number of ways, including an amount going towards towards toiletries and other essentials for homeless people who suffer from heart failure. Another use of the funds will be providing children with a hamper and a teddy bear if they’re in hospital with heart failure.
Diagnosed at just 46, Aidan said the illness has reshaped his outlook on life.
“I just try to make memories, go and see places, and make new friends. Every day really is a bonus. Living with heart failure is a bit like having a electric car that is running low on charge. It is the most misunderstood illnesses in the world. If you look at me you wouldn’t think that there is anything wrong but my heart doesn’t work 100%. In the past, I have had the last rites read twice.
“Life expectancy for many people with heart failure is five-to-ten years, I’ve been living with it for over 22 years now. I’ve accepted it now, but if someone was diagnosed six months ago, it can be very hard to come to terms with it. Heart Failure Warriors is a great place for people to come and talk to others who have been going through it for a while. It really helps people cope with the situation.”
Heart Failure Warriors started in 2023 when patients and families came together to start a support group in Northern Ireland to help people who have had heart failure or people awaiting heart transplants. There are now a dozen groups over multiple trusts across the region. In recognition of their work, Heart Failure Warriors was recently announced as finalists in the All-Island Healthcare Excellence Awards for Best Supporting Service.
“For a little charity that started three years ago this is a brilliant achievement,” said Aidan.
“In our group at Newtownards, we have about eight regulars attending. I have made some great friends there, the group provides support for anyone who has suffered from heart failure.
“I hadn’t seen a cardiologist for 15 years before I joined this group and they soon got me up to date. I am now on the top of the range medication, that I wasn’t on before. Now, it is very reassuring that I have people that care and look out for me.”
Aidan said that being being a part of the group has helped him come to terms with his condition better, and given him the confidence to ask for help when needed.
According to the British Heart Foundation, more than one million people in the UK have heart failure, with cases expected to double by 2040. Common signs include persistent shortness of breath (especially when lying down or active), severe fatigue or weakness, and swelling (edema) in the ankles, legs or abdomen due to fluid build-up.
“Prevention is better than the cure, if you any doubts about your heart, please go and see a doctor,” Aidan added.
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