Former club rugby coach and player Bryn Evans had no idea he had a heart condition until he fell, broke his femur and shattered his knee. Waiting for an operation to repair the injuries at the University Hospital of Wales, doctors realised Bryn had atrial fibrillation, an irregular and very rapid heart beat.
In the following 30 hours the much-loved family man and member of Whitchurch Rugby Club had three cardiac arrests, two of which were witnessed by his shocked wife Ginny. After that doctors warned surgery would be risky but the lifelong rugby player couldn’t bear the thought of not using his leg again and agreed to go ahead. The operation took place successfully with a cardiologist present and instant access to the cardiology department and intensive care.
Read more: Welsh NHS described as 'broken' as waiting times crisis deepens
