I actually have no words to describe the past 7 months since receiving the news. A tropical bacteria had infected my heart valves at the age of 30 over 20 years ago- this lead to me spending over 200 days in hospital and having x2 open heart surgeries.  It also led to the formation of the Little Optimist Trust.  Now due to scar tissue build up, my mechanical valve was jamming, and I had to go in for a 3rd very complicated open-heart surgery.

These months have included some of my happiest moments & greatest achievements, mixed in with the heaviest & most challenging time of my life! At some stage in the near future, I’ll do a tell-all & create something positive & beautiful from this experience. I can’t wait to get to that place. But for the past 2 months I have been recovering at home with my family and enjoying the healing power of the ocean and nature, while taking time to rest, heal, rehab & appreciate life on the other side.

3rd time’s a charm!

Over the past weeks I have slowly been getting back into life and the work I do through the Trust and Academy. Massive thanks to the amazing Little Optimist team, who have helped navigate the ship and have helped to take our impact and tech to new heights.

I appreciate the team and all our friends and supporters who have helped us become an incredible and sustainable organisation.

Optimistic thanks,
Greg Bertish