From the Editor
October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, and to mark this important time, Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK is proud to be hosting multiple meet-ups across the country on Saturday, 4th October. These events provide an opportunity for survivors, co-survivors, and supporters to come together, share their experiences, and strengthen the bonds within our unique community.
The following article is written by Sonya, a survivor who attended one of our meet-ups last year. Her heartfelt reflection captures the spirit of connection, understanding, and hope that these gatherings inspire.
We hope her story encourages you to join us this October and be part of something truly special. 💜
There’s something profoundly healing about being in a room with people who just get it. There is simply no ‘elephant in the room’; just individuals who come together with a common shared trauma.
For survivors and co-survivors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the journey after the event can be isolating, confusing, and emotionally overwhelming. While online communities and support groups offer an essential lifeline, nothing quite compares to the experience of meeting face-to-face—sharing space, stories, and silent understanding with others who have walked a similar path.
Last year, I had the privilege of arranging a regional meet-up in Bath for members of the SCA UK community. It was a small gathering with around 14 attending, but the impact was anything but small. From the moment people arrived, there was a sense of connection that didn’t need words. We weren’t strangers—we were part of a unique club that none of us asked to join, but all of us were grateful to find.
What made this meet-up so special was the atmosphere of safety and openness. People shared their stories—some for the first time in person. There were tears, laughter, and moments of quiet reflection. We discussed the trauma, recovery, fear, and gratitude. We discussed the people around us who helped us and those who saved us. And we talked about the strange, beautiful, and sometimes painful reality of surviving something so sudden and life-altering.
As someone who has lived through a cardiac arrest, I know how important it is to feel seen and heard. Organising this meetup was a way to give back to a community that has supported me so much and whom I love. But what I didn’t expect was just how heart-warming and healing it would be for me, too. There’s a unique kind of love and support that comes from sitting across from someone who nods before you even finish your sentence—because they’ve been there.
These meetups are more than just social events.
They are lifelines.
They are reminders that we are not alone.
They are spaces where we can be vulnerable, strong, scared, and hopeful—all at once.
If you’re a survivor or co-survivor and you’ve never attended a face-to-face gathering, I encourage you to give it a try. Whether you speak or simply listen, your presence matters. Attending a meet-up gives you a sense of belonging and empowerment in your recovery and the life ahead of you.
Want to join future meet-ups or connect with others who truly understand?
At present, participation is open to members of our Facebook groups — including survivors, co-survivors, and family members. Join us and stay informed and be part of the community.
I live in rural Wiltshire and am the proud mum of two young adults, wife to Jon (my co-survivor) and Project Manager of over 30 years. My passions include open-water swimming, jogging in the countryside, and helping others. Since having an idiopathic SCA in 2023, giving back and supporting fellow survivors and co-survivors has become my mission and makes my heart sing
So well put thanks Sonya. My first meetup was in August 2025 and I echo everything you have said. It was a very cathartic and empowering experience for me personaly!