20/05/2026
James never expected his life to change so suddenly.
After collapsing and being rushed to hospital, doctors discovered a complex tear in his aorta, one that could not be treated in the usual way, as surgery could cause it to rupture.
James was referred to Mr Saleem Jahangeer and the specialist aortic team at St James’s Hospital. It was there that he was told another option might be possible, one that existed because of donations made to St James’s Hospital Foundation.
Thanks to donor support, the Foundation was able to fund advanced specialist training for a pioneering procedure known as a Frozen Elephant Trunk (FET) operation, used only in the most complex cases of aortic disease. At that time, it had only been performed once before internationally.
The surgery was long, complex, and high-risk. James was told his chances of survival were fifty–fifty.
But in the weeks that followed, James slowly began to recover. Today, he is back with his family, getting on with life again.
“It’s great to know there are people out there who will help someone like me ... I wouldn’t be here without it.” – James
Today, we are asking for your support. By donating to St James’s Hospital Foundation, you can help fund life-saving care, specialist training, and pioneering treatments for more patients like James 💙
Please donate today and help give another patient a second chance at life.
Donate here - https://stjameshospitalfoundation.enthuse.com/lifechangingift #!/
