“I just had a feeling I was going to die abroad"

But the next morning, I had a heart attack. I knew it was coming on because I’ve had four heart attacks already.

For me, a heart attack comes as a really sharp pressure in my chest that feels like I’ve swallowed a load of ice. And I get a feeling of dread that goes down either arm. It feels like a dead weight.

• Learn more about the signs of heart disease.

We called an ambulance, but the hotel was quite out of the way, and I sat in the foyer waiting for 40 to 45 minutes. I was really concerned because I’ve had so many heart attacks already. I just had a feeling that I was going to die abroad.

I was taken to Rhodes General Hospital and went into the intensive care unit (ICU). They said I needed three stents. But after the procedure they told me two of the stents could not be fitted as the arteries were totally blocked. 

They’re still blocked now, and basically, it’s down to medication to keep me going.

I was in ICU for three days and then went to the ward for three days. There were just two nurses for about 50 patients.

The hospital kept asking for a ‘GHIC card’ but we did not know what that was.

It’s the Global Health Insurance Card – which means our NHS covers the costs if you’re treated abroad in a country the UK has a shared healthcare agreement with.

Sam found out we could apply for it there, but she needed help from the British Consulate. It covered all the hospital costs, which were just over £10,000.

If we had not got that card, we would have had to pay that then claim it back on insurance. They would not let me out of the hospital until the bill was paid.

They would not let me out of the hospital until the bill was paid

The hotel staff was fantastic. They made sure we were okay, that Sam was looked after, and that we had a room in the hotel when I was discharged.

I’m 100 per cent more cautious about going on holiday abroad now. But I do not want to stop going away because the years are precious.

Sam and I have only been together for five years so there’s memories to be made. We’re hoping to get married in the same hotel near Rhodes in September.

It’ll be a really quiet affair, with just a couple of friends, in the private chapel of the family who own the hotel.” 

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