Aortic Dissection Awareness Day UK 2025 — Patients, Clinicians, and Researchers United in Leicester
On 18 September 2025, Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland hosted Aortic Dissection Awareness Day UK 2025 at the University of Leicester, uniting patients, families, clinicians, and researchers to save lives, support families, and improve care for those affected by aortic dissection.
A Day of Collaboration and Discovery
The day opened with a warm welcome from Professor Rob Sneyd, Vice-Chair of the Patient Charity, and Professor Gavin Murphy, Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Leicester. Anne Cotton, Chair of Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland, followed with “Your Charity in Action” — an inspiring overview of how the charity continues to make an impact through its THINK AORTA, THINK AORTA THINK FAMILY, Buddies, and Bereavement programmes.
Throughout the day, delegates heard from leaders in genetic medicine, research, and patient care, including Dr Neeta Lakhani, Professor Julian Barwell, and Dr Riccardo Abbasciano. Sessions explored topics ranging from genomics and inherited risk, to the DECIDE-TAD research programme, and the development of the Decision Support Tool (DST) to guide genetic testing and family screening.
Research and Partnership in Action
The event showcased how collaboration between patients, clinicians, and researchers can accelerate progress. Highlights included:
- Updates on the NIHR-funded DECIDE-TAD study, a patient-led national research partnership with the University of Leicester.
- A presentation from Eileen Novins of The Marfan Foundation (USA), sharing international perspectives on patient support and genetic aortic conditions.
- Global progress reports from Robert Glass, International Lead for THINK AORTA, charting the campaign’s expansion to more than a dozen countries across six continents.
Remembering and Reflecting
A moving In Memoriam session led by Lisa Skinner paid tribute to those who have lost their lives to aortic dissection — reminding everyone why the work of awareness, research, and support remains so vital.
Later, Professor Sneyd and Aortic Nurse Specialist Emma Hope delivered a deeply human session on recovery, cognitive changes, and PTSD after surgery — exploring how patients can heal both body and mind.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with open discussion and an invitation to shape the future together. Next year’s Aortic Dissection Awareness Day UK will take place on Friday 18 September 2026, continuing to build the partnerships and shared learning that define this community.
“Every talk, every conversation today shows how far we’ve come — and how much more we can achieve by working together.”
— — Anne Cotton, Chair, Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland
