'I walked 50 miles to help people like me'

Think of pacemakers and you're likely to imagine someone in their later years.

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After all, most are fitted in those aged over 60 but Caoimhe Loughran was only 20 when she got hers.After a long period of feeling unwell and collapsing, Caoimhe, now 23, was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome a type of heart rhythm disorder that can cause a heartbeat to be too slow, too fast, or constantly pause or stop.

In December 2022, Caoimhe, from Northern Ireland, spent 13 days in hospital recovering from a life-changing procedure. Having a pacemaker fitted at 20 wasn't just a physical challenge, but a mental one. “I felt really alone at the start of my journey,” Caoimhe says.