10 Years Together Speakers

The Team

Prepare to be inspired by our remarkable lineup of conference speakers—each bringing powerful personal stories and cutting-edge expertise to the SCA UK 10 Years Together Conference. These survivors, co-survivors and specialists have walked through fire and emerged with wisdom that could change your life. Their collective knowledge represents the frontline of cardiac arrest recovery and support.
In alphabetical order…
Joanna Balgarnie
Survivor and Fundraising Trustee
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK
Joanna’s experience as a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest has ignited her passion for supporting others who have faced similar challenges. She understands the complexities of recovery—both visible and invisible—and is dedicated to raising awareness about life after cardiac arrest. In addition to offering support, she leads fundraising efforts to create a strong, supportive community where survivors and their loved ones can find reassurance, information, and hope. Warm, compassionate, and always willing to listen, Joanna is committed to ensuring that no one feels alone on their recovery journey.
Dr Rachel Bastiaenen
Consultant Cardiologist
Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospital London
Dr. Rachel Bastiaenen specialises in inherited heart conditions and unexplained cardiac arrests. Dr. Bastiaenen is particularly interested in the role of genetics in heart problems and employs advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and treat her patients. With a background in research on heart rhythm disorders and heart muscle diseases, she is passionate about understanding the genetic causes of these conditions and finding effective management strategies. Her work integrates scientific research with patient care, significantly impacting people’s lives.
Michael Bradfield
Director of Clinical and Service Development
Resuscitation Council UK
Michael Bradfield is passionate about improving life after cardiac arrest. He has played a key role in shaping national quality standards to ensure survivors and their families receive the care and support they need. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced after resuscitation, he works to bridge the gap between medical care and real-world recovery. His commitment to survivor-led change has helped bring psychological, cognitive, and emotional well-being to the forefront of aftercare discussions. Michael believes that every survivor deserves not just to live but to thrive with the right support in place.
Gareth Cole
Survivor and Trustee
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK
Gareth Cole knows firsthand the challenges of life after cardiac arrest. As a survivor, he has turned his experience into a passion for supporting others on their recovery journey. Through his role with Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK, he helps raise awareness, advocate for better aftercare, and foster a strong, supportive community for survivors and their families. Gareth believes that recovery is more than just surviving—it’s about reclaiming life, finding purpose, and connecting with others who truly understand. His positivity, resilience, and dedication make him an inspiring figure in the cardiac arrest survivor community.
Dr John Davies
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist
Essex Cardiothoracic Centre
Dr John Davies is a highly experienced consultant cardiologist with over 27 years of experience in general and interventional cardiology. Specialising in conditions like coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, and heart failure, Dr Davies is known for his patient-centred approach and commitment to advancing cardiac care. He leads research and quality improvement initiatives at the Centre and is an honorary lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University. With a passion for teaching and a track record of over 3,000 successful coronary procedures, Dr Davies brings a wealth of knowledge to his work, ensuring the best patient outcomes.
Dr Harshil Dhutia
Consultant Cardiologist
University Hospitals of Leicester
Dr Harshil Dhutia is a leading expert in inherited cardiac conditions, dedicated to identifying and managing heart disorders that can run in families. Passionate about preventing sudden cardiac events, he works closely with patients and their relatives to assess risk, provide expert guidance, and offer life-saving interventions. His research and clinical expertise help shape national strategies for screening and early detection. Dr Dhutia will share valuable insights on genetic heart conditions, empowering survivors, co-survivors, and their families with knowledge and practical steps to protect heart health for future generations.
Dr Rohin Francis
Consultant Cardiologist
Dr Francis is a cardiologist, writer, and science communicator with a flair for making complex medical topics accessible and entertaining. Known for his popular YouTube channel Medlife Crisis, he blends humour and insight to engage over half a million followers worldwide. Passionate about education, Rohin has tackled topics ranging from heart health to pseudoscience, earning respect for his thoughtful and relatable approach. He is also an advocate for open-access research. Rohin’s unique ability to combine science, storytelling, and wit continues to inspire curiosity and understanding in audiences everywhere.
Dr Vicky Joshi
Lecturer, physiotherapist, PhD
Vicky is passionate about improving the lives of cardiac arrest survivors through rehabilitation and research. With years of experience in physiotherapy, she has worked closely with individuals recovering from life-changing events, helping them regain strength, confidence, and independence. Her research explores how tailored rehabilitation can enhance both physical and mental well-being after cardiac arrest. Committed to bridging the gap between medical care and everyday recovery, Vicky champions a holistic approach that empowers survivors to reclaim their lives. Her insights and dedication make a lasting impact on those navigating the challenges of post-cardiac arrest recovery.
Dr Tom Keeble
Consultant Cardiologist and Trustee
Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, SCA UK
Dr Tom Keeble is passionate about improving life after cardiac arrest. A dedicated advocate for survivors and their families, he has played a key role in shaping aftercare services, ensuring recovery goes beyond survival. His work bridges the gap between hospital discharge and long-term well-being, championing psychological and cognitive support. As a trustee of Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK, he works closely with the survivor community to drive meaningful change. With warmth, expertise, and a deep commitment to patient-centred care, Tom is helping to redefine what it means to thrive after cardiac arrest.
Dr Jonathan Leach OBE
General Practioner
Bromsgrove Worcestershire
Dr Leach OBE has dedicated his career to improving healthcare, focusing on emergency and urgent care. Having served in the NHS and the military, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to patient care. Passionate about supporting survivors and their families, he works to ensure that everyone receives the best possible treatment and aftercare. Jonathan’s warmth, expertise, and drive to make a difference have earned him widespread respect. Whether working on the frontline or shaping healthcare policy, he remains focused on what truly matters—helping people live healthier, fuller lives after sudden cardiac arrest.
Stuart Menzies
Co-survivor, Trustee and Secretary
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK
When Stuart’s wife survived a sudden cardiac arrest, his world changed forever. As a devoted co-survivor, he understands such a life-altering event’s emotional and practical challenges. Determined to support others, he plays a key role in Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK, helping to connect survivors, co-survivors, and families with vital support and information. He also leads the charity’s regional meetups, creating safe spaces for people to share experiences and find encouragement. Passionate about raising awareness and improving life after cardiac arrest, Stuart’s warmth and dedication ensure that no one has to face this journey alone.
Dr Marco Mion
Clinical Psychologist
Essex Cardiothoracic Centre
Dr Mion is passionate about helping people navigate the emotional and psychological impact of sudden cardiac arrest. With a deep understanding of how life-changing events affect individuals and their loved ones, he provides compassionate support to aid recovery and well-being. His work focuses on rebuilding confidence, managing anxiety, and fostering resilience after a cardiac event. Warm, approachable, and deeply committed, Marco ensures that no one feels alone in their journey. Whether through research or direct patient care, he is dedicated to improving lives by addressing the mind and body in recovery.
Mark Passey
Principal Cardiac Physiologist
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Mark is a highly skilled cardiac physiologist with specialised expertise in implantable cardiac devices, including implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers. With years of experience, he plays a vital role in diagnosing, monitoring, and optimising treatment for individuals with heart conditions. Passionate about utilising cutting-edge technology to enhance patients’ lives, Mark works closely with them to ensure their devices function optimally. He also strongly advocates for patient support, believing that recovery and quality of life are as important as medical treatment. Mark’s knowledge, dedication, and approachable nature make him a trusted expert in cardiac care.
Karl Perry
Survivor, Speaker, Business Coach, Author
The Katalyst Guy
Karl is a true testament to resilience and hope after surviving a sudden cardiac arrest. His journey, detailed in his book You Only Live Thrice, has inspired countless individuals, showing that recovery is possible even after the most challenging circumstances. With a powerful story, Karl uses his experience to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the importance of early intervention. Through his speaking engagements, he aims to educate and empower others, providing a message of optimism for those facing life-altering situations. Karl’s unwavering spirit makes him a passionate advocate for survival and life-saving actions.
Jeanne Reilly
Speech and Language Therapist
Retired
Jeanne is a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest with a lifelong career in speech and language therapy. She especially understands word-finding and memory difficulties, which interfere with communication, thinking, and relationships. Jeanne is actively involved in the CARESS-F project, which aims to improve rehabilitation and aftercare for survivors and their families. Her warmth, expertise, and personal experience make her a passionate advocate for better support and awareness in this area. She believes every survivor deserves to be heard and is committed to helping others rebuild their confidence and independence.
Liz Sharpe
Cardiac Therapist
Essex Cardiothoracic Centre
Liz is dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives after experiencing a cardiac event. She is a highly experienced cardiac counsellor and therapist who understands a cardiac event’s emotional, practical, and family pressures. She works with survivors and co-survivors as part of the CARE clinic for the MSE Hospital trust. Her warm and encouraging approach inspires individuals to regain their confidence and independence. With a firm belief in recovery, Liz helps people find strategies to return to “living life.” Committed, knowledgeable, and deeply compassionate, Liz strives to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by sudden cardiac arrest.
Dr Federico Semeraro
Consultant Anaesthetist, ERC Chair
European Resuscitation Council
Dr Semeraro is a passionate advocate for improving resuscitation practices and saving lives, particularly regarding children. With his extensive background in emergency medicine and resuscitation, he has been instrumental in shaping life-saving protocols across Europe. As the European Resuscitation Council Chair, Dr Semeraro actively promotes the “Kids Save Lives” initiative, which trains young people in essential life-saving skills. His dedication to enhancing emergency care and his commitment to public awareness and education have established him as a leading figure in saving lives and increasing survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest.
Dr Neil Srinivasan
Consultant Cardiologist
Essex Cardiothoracic Centre
Dr Srinivasan is a passionate advocate for cardiovascular health who has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for patients with heart conditions. With expertise in diagnosing and treating complex cardiac rhythm disorders, he combines clinical excellence with a warm, reassuring approach. His research focuses on innovative techniques for early detection of heart abnormalities and prevention strategies for sudden cardiac events. Outside the hospital, Neil actively participates in community heart health initiatives and enjoys mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. He believes in empowering patients through education and is known for his ability to explain complex cardiac concepts in accessible terms.
Paul Swindell
Survivor and Chair
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK
After experiencing a cardiac arrest in 2014, Paul turned this life-altering event into a movement that has positively affected thousands across the UK. Recognising that survivors often feel isolated and lack proper support after being discharged from the hospital, Paul organised the first meet-up of 13 strangers at a pub in London in February 2015. This crucial gathering eventually developed into the thriving community known as Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK. Paul has published several books about SCA UK and hosts the podcast “Life After Cardiac Arrest,” where he shares stories that offer insight, information, and hope. His passionate advocacy has created a space for survivors and their families to find understanding, connection, and the support they need.
Professor William Toff
Professor of Cardiology
University of Leicester & University Hospitals
Professor Toff is a clinical academic cardiologist whose main clinical and research interests are in cardiac rhythm management. He has been involved in community resuscitation for over 30 years. He co-founded Heartwize, a charity that has trained over 60,000 young people in life-saving CPR skills and equipped schools across Leicestershire with defibrillators. This remarkable initiative recently earned the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. A passionate advocate for improving cardiac arrest survival rates, Professor Toff has led landmark clinical trials and serves on national committees advancing cardiac care. He is also interested in aviation medicine, bringing unique perspectives to cardiovascular health. Professor Toff’s tireless dedication to creating a nation of lifesavers continues to inspire communities and transform emergency response throughout the UK.
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