Daughter Advocates for Heart Health Checks After Father’s Sudden Death

Rachel Concannon, 31, is calling for routine heart health screenings after the sudden death of her father, Paul Concannon, 65, who collapsed from a cardiac arrest following a meal with friends on March 5, 2022. The incident has left Rachel and her family grappling with the shock of losing a man they regarded as fit and healthy.

Living in Ellesmere Port, Rachel described her father as a beloved figure in the community, known for his extensive charity work and commitment to helping others. He was well-liked and considered a role model by many. “He had worked so hard all his life, ran his own company, and contributed significantly to charity through his church,” Rachel said.

Unforeseen Health Issues Exposed

Despite leading a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and minimal alcohol consumption, Paul was discovered to have undiagnosed heart disease. Just a week before his passing, a scan revealed a blockage in his main artery. “I kept thinking that if they’d unblocked it sooner, all he would’ve needed is a stent in his heart, and he’d still be here,” Rachel added, reflecting on the family’s grief.

On the day of the tragedy, Paul enjoyed a meal with friends but experienced a cardiac arrest shortly after returning to his car. “It was a massive shock. One moment he was here, and the next he was gone,” Rachel stated. The family has since learned that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in men, prompting Rachel to advocate for changes in health screenings.

Advocacy for Heart Health Screenings

In response to her father’s death, Rachel is now actively campaigning for routine heart health screenings, particularly for individuals aged 50 and older, or for those with a family history of heart disease. “We have mammograms and smear tests, but what about heart checks? It just doesn’t seem right,” Rachel emphasized, highlighting the need for greater awareness of heart health.

Since her father’s passing, Rachel has dedicated herself to charity work, embracing the values Paul instilled in her. She turned to social media to share her journey of grief, which has resonated with a growing community of over 14,000 followers. Many individuals have reached out, sharing their own experiences with sudden cardiac arrests and loss.

“So many of my followers have lost their mum, dad, brother, or sister to a cardiac arrest. This could all be prevented. Why isn’t anything in place?”

Rachel’s mission is clear; she aims to raise awareness and push for policy changes that could save lives. By sharing her story and that of her father, she hopes to encourage others to take heart health seriously, potentially preventing future tragedies like her own.

As her campaign gains traction, Rachel remains committed to honoring her father’s memory by advocating for those who may not have access to essential health screenings. “When my dad passed away, I felt really alone and really lost. But now I want to make sure others don’t have to go through the same pain,” she concluded.