Courtney Stocks, a 22-year-old dog-groomer from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, faced the unimaginable when she ‘died’ for seven minutes last November. It all unfolded on what seemed like an average Sunday as her parents visited. A sudden cardiac arrest struck as she stepped into her back garden, but her quick-thinking dad saved her with CPR until paramedics arrived.
After rushing her to Royal Derby Hospital, Courtney learned she had mitral annular disjunction (MAD), a heart condition that can trigger sudden cardiac arrest. She’d been experiencing symptoms like heart palpitations and dizziness for weeks, shrugging them off as anxiety. But the intense stress of running her own business was likely the final straw.
Following this life-changing ordeal, Courtney is urging everyone to trust their bodies and seek help for any unusual symptoms, no matter how fit or healthy they think they are. “I was fit, healthy, walking 10,000 steps a day, and never thought it could happen to me,” she shared. Her story is a powerful reminder of how stress can impact our health.
Courtney now has an implantable defibrillator to prevent future incidents, but her recovery journey has been challenging. Her partner, Ellie, has started a fundraising page to help with living expenses during this tough time. If you feel inspired to support Courtney, you can donate at: [GoFundMe link]
Remember, your health is precious—always listen to your body and don’t ignore the warning signs!