The ICD Patient and Family Heart Support Group

My name is James Lyons and the nickname "ZAP" was given to me by hospital staff in 1993, whilst I was awaiting the implantation of my first defibrillator. I am now on my fifth model.

Just to tell you a little bit about myself - I am 64 years old as of April 2011 and have four adult daughters and six grandchildren. Before needing an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, I managed my own design studio, producing signs and vehicle livery.

The idea for a Patient and Family Support Group came to me when I was hospitalised in 1996.

At that time, I was asked by a sister on the heart ward to chat to a fellow ICD patient and his young family. The outcome of this was very rewarding, so my wife, Brenda, and myself decided to pursue this further. As a result, our first That's Life Newsletter was produced in January 2000 after necessary research on the Internet.

Brenda, who is a City and Guilds qualified Trainer/Assessor/Verifier, formerly held a post with the NHS, training Medical Secretaries and Clerks in Business Administration, took charge of all the correspondence relating to the Support Group.

She is Secretary/Treasurer of the Group, dealing with all aspects of fundraising. Well done Brenda and thank you for all your hard work.

Since that date, our members have significantly increased and our Group is continually growing in numbers.

Why not visit our Membership Club page and join us now!

I hope you find our new web site useful and informative and any comments that you might have on any improvements etc. would be most helpful.

The ICD Patient and Family Heart Support Group of North Staffordshire is not linked financially to other voluntary charity group and our aim is to be totally self-supporting. We are, however, affiliated to the British Heart Foundation, a Member of the Medical Technology Group and also a Stakeholder in N.I.C.E (National Institute of Clinical Excellence).

We are a support group which deals with non-medical issues e.g. DVLA rules and regulations, travel insurance home and abroad, ICD contact clinics home and abroad etc. All details of our services can be found on this easy to navigate website, however, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch via our Contact information.

All monies raised are used for the benefit of ICD patients, their families and carers both in North Staffordshire and throughout the U.K.

Always remember... yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift!

If you have any interesting news items, please let me have them and I will post them on our home page.

Why not Phone, Write or E-Mail me today! I will be very pleased to hear from you.

That's Life folks! Hope to hear from you soon.

James Lyons
Chairman



Please contact us at:-

Address: 6 Kingsland Avenue, Oakhill, Stoke on Trent, ST4 5LA

Tel: 01782 852509

E-mail: icdnorthstaffs@yahoo.co.uk