Elliot Awin

In December 2023, Elliot Awin, under the guise of the Wave Wrangler, will take part in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge; a 3000 mile endeavour to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo and unsupported. Dubbed as “The World’s Toughest Row”. Following his battle with arrhythmia, resulting in the implantation of a pacemaker, Wave Wrangler aims to provide a platform for raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Following 5 years of being in and out of hospitals trying to maintain a regular heart rhythm, Elliot became the recipient of a (Medtronic) CRT-P device in February 2020. In November 2014 when he woke with a racing pulse (perhaps 200 bpm or higher). Thinking nothing of it he headed to the office for a regular day – luckily his colleagues (one happened to be his father) persuaded him to contact his GP, whom quicky sent him to A+E.

After what was to be the first of many hours hooked up to a 10 lead ECG, an abnormal wave was observed on the readout: a delta wave. This indication of an accessory pathway (a shortcut, circumventing the AV-node) lead to a tentative diagnosis of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. However, following an electro-physiological examination, Elliot was also diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, in conjunction causing a far larger threat than either in isolation.

This experience of fully “living” the frustrations that go hand in hand with an irregular heartbeat, including multiple cardioversions has led Elliot to found Wave Wrangler; a platform for anyone living with an arrythmia to share stories and experiences, as well as raise and carefully distribute funds to assist charities, companies and individuals who are also in a position to support.