Renowned TV presenter and wildlife expert, Iolo Williams, has candidly recounted the traumatic experience of suffering a heart attack two years ago. Scheduled to feature in an upcoming series, Iolo revealed that production had to be abruptly halted when he fell seriously ill during filming.
During an exclusive interview with Reach PLC, Iolo described how he was out for a run when he began to feel severe chest pain, despite having no familial history of heart issues. “I was about four and a half miles into my run when the heart attack hit me. I experienced intense pain in the middle of my chest, and I had to walk a mile and a half to get to my car to call for an ambulance,” he shared, as reported by Wales Online.
Recounting the details of his heart attack, Iolo explained, “After being rushed to the hospital, I underwent a stent placement in Wolverhampton.” However, his ordeal didn’t end there. A month later, doctors suspected that a clot had formed due to the stent, causing impairments to his right arm and leg, as well as his speech.
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Despite facing these debilitating challenges, Iolo expressed his gratitude towards the medical professionals who assisted him in his recovery. “The care I received was exceptional. Although it took some time, I gradually regained the use of my arm and leg, as well as my speech,” he said.
Reflecting on this life-altering experience, Iolo shared how he missed filming for Springwatch and how the incident led to a newfound appreciation for life. He admitted, “I wasn’t afraid during that time, but I know it was frightening for those around me.”
Furthermore, Iolo revealed his philosophical outlook on life and death, emphasizing his lack of fear towards dying and his preference for meeting his end while pursuing his passion for wildlife and the outdoors. “I believe in accepting death as a part of life. If I were to die, I would want it to be while doing what I love,” he expressed.
Despite the setbacks, Iolo is geared up for the release of his upcoming Channel 4 series, ‘Iolo: Natur Bregus Cymru,’ where he delves into the concerning trends in wildlife and the diminishing natural habitats. Highlighting the joy of documenting nature’s subtleties, Iolo expressed his enthusiasm for capturing the beauty of everyday occurrences in the natural world, emphasizing that it’s the “little things” that often leave the most profound impact.