Heart Radio’s Simon Beale has said he feels grateful to be alive after suffering a ‘major’ heart attack that saw him rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
The 53-year-old, who presents Heart 80s Breakfast for Global, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post after collapsing while walking his dog three weeks ago.
Simon described the terrifying experience as a ‘massive shock’ considering he eats healthily and exercises and has never smoked.
Alongside a snap of him up in intensive care wired up to a heart monitor, he penned: ‘Life can certainly throw you some surprises, three weeks ago, I was walking our dog when I suffered a major heart attack.’
‘Even when it was happening, I was trying to convince myself “it can’t be a heart attack”. I’m 53, never smoked, do 15,000 steps a day and eat averagely healthily. And yet, I couldn’t deny the paralysing pain across my chest, so I phoned 999.’
Within hours, doctors had fitted two stents into a completely blocked artery at the front of his heart, he went on: ‘ I’d gone from a normal Monday (work, shopping, walking the dog) to being blue-lighted in an ambulance, having life-saving surgery and starting the long road to recovery, wired up to numerous monitors,’
Heart Radio’s Simon Beale has said he feels grateful to be alive after suffering a ‘major’ heart attack that saw him rushed to hospital for emergency surgery
The 53-year-old, who presents Heart 80s Breakfast for Global, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post after collapsing while walking his dog three weeks ago
Simon, who is one of Heart’s longest-serving national presenters, spent eight nights in hospital before being discharged.
He described the NHS care he received as ‘phenomenal’ writing: ‘The care I received was exceptional and I am beyond thankful to every doctor, nurse, consultant, specialist and hospital worker who looked after me for eight nights. They saved my life. They are true heroes.’
Simon also paid tribute to his loved ones and colleagues at Heart and Global, adding: ‘My family, who dropped everything to be there for me; friends who phoned, messaged and have done whatever they can to help practically;’
‘And my work family at Heart & Global (as well as the award teams I was due to work with) who have been overwhelmingly kind, caring, considerate and thoughtful. Thank you so much’.
Now back home, Simon said he is adjusting to a new lifestyle: ‘I’m now recovering at home, getting used to a cocktail of medication and a whole new diet, taking each day as it comes,’ he wrote.
‘I’ve still got a way to go, but I AM on the mend and slowly making progress, hoping to be back at work soon. BTW, the irony of the radio station I work for is not lost on me.’
His post was flooded with supportive messages from fellow broadcasters and friends.
Heart Breakfast host Jamie Theakston joked: ‘Have they wired you up to Zetta?’ referring to the station’s playout system, while presenter Jenni Falconer wrote: ‘Please look after yourself, take it easy. We are looking forward to having you back once you’re better. Big love Simon xxx.’
Simon described the terrifying experience as a ‘massive shock’ considering he eats healthily and exercises and has never smoked
Now back home, Simon said he is adjusting to a new lifestyle: ‘I’m now recovering at home, getting used to a cocktail of medication and a whole new diet, taking each day as it comes,’
Alongside a snap of him up in intensive care wired up to a heart monitor, he penned: ‘Life can certainly throw you some surprises,’
Fans and famous friends rushed to send their best wishes
Matt Goss, the singer and broadcaster, commented: ‘Sending you so much love and healing, mate,’ while Emma Barnett, host of Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4, added: ‘Gosh really hope you heal really well xx.’
Broadcaster Nicki Chapman said: ‘Oh Simon! Take care & glad you are on the mend’.
The much-loved DJ is a stalwart of British radio. Having joined Heart London in 2002, Simon has been a fixture on the network for more than two decades, known for his warm, polished presenting style and encyclopaedic knowledge of pop music.
Before his time at Heart, he hosted shows on Invicta FM, Kiss, Virgin Radio, LBC and BBC Radio 5 Live, and has built a parallel career as one of the UK’s most recognisable voiceover artists.
His distinctive tones are heard across major live events, television campaigns and award ceremonies.
