For Cape Town runner Lloyd Jacobs, hearing that he would have to undergo open-heart surgery was shocking.

Besides the fact that there was no history of heart problems in his family, he was a young man in his early 30s, who ate healthily. A competitive trail runner, he had finished in the top 10 at the Cape Winter Trail Series. He had also achieved five Two Oceans Half medals. Nothing prepared him for this life-changing event.

For Lloyd’s full story, pick up your copy of our July issue here.