Rugby star held his own heart in his hands after life-saving surgery
Rhys Thomas, a former Wales rugby international, recently underwent a life-saving heart transplant after years of health struggles. He described the surreal experience of holding his own heart post-surgery, expressing gratitude for the second chance at life. Thomas had faced significant health challenges, including a heart attack that led to his retirement from rugby and years on a transplant list before moving to South Africa for better opportunities.
- ▪Rhys Thomas suffered heart problems since a minor heart attack in 2006 and faced a major heart attack in 2012.
- ▪After nearly a decade on the UK transplant list, he moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where he received a heart transplant.
- ▪Thomas described the moment he held his own heart as 'crazy' and 'very special', expressing gratitude for being alive.
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Rugby star held his own heart in his hands after life-saving surgeryJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEleri GriffithsBBC WalesRugby star held his own heart in his hands after life-saving surgeryThis story contains an image some people might find distressingA former Wales rugby international described the "crazy" and "very special" moment he held his own heart after a life-saving transplant.Rhys Thomas, 43, had suffered heart problems since experiencing a minor heart attack after playing for Dragons RFC in 2006.A second, more serious attack in 2012 led to him receiving a battery-powered left ventricular assist device (LVAD).After spending almost a decade on the UK transplant list as his health worsened, Thomas moved back to his hometown of Cape Town, South Africa, in 2024, saying…
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