Key Takeaways
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Name | Mark Moran |
| Known for | Inventing hands-free hydration products |
| What happened | Cardiac arrest while cycling |
| Survival rate | Less than 8% outside hospital |
| Recovery | Fitted with ICD and now running half marathon |
| Fundraising for | Great Western Air Ambulance |
| Where to donate | Donate to Mark’s fundraiser |
Mark Moran: Inventor and Advocate for Independent Hydration
Many disabled people know Mark Moran as the creator of the Hydrate for Health range. His inventions, like The Hydrant, and more recently the Water Drop, have helped thousands of people who need easier access to fluids—whether due to disability, injury, or illness.
His latest innovation, the HydroBubble, is an innovative respiratory device that makes Bubble PEP therapy fun and easy for both children and adults with chronic lung conditions. It revolutionises the therapy process by making it more engaging and accessible, helping to support better airway clearance at home.
But Mark’s recent journey goes far beyond product design.
A Life-Changing Moment on a Country Lane
In November 2024, while cycling in the Cotswolds, Mark’s life changed in an instant. He suffered a sudden cardiac arrest with no warning signs. “I was gone,” Mark said. “On the roadside in a country lane.”
Survival in these situations is rare—statistics show fewer than 8% of people survive a cardiac arrest outside hospital. Mark’s survival is a result of fast action, teamwork, and extraordinary timing.
A Chain of Miracles and Fast Responders
What followed was nothing short of a chain of miracles. Mark’s cycling partners, Steve and Dave, immediately started CPR. “They kept me going until the first responder, Pete Bishop, arrived and zapped me twice with a defib unit.”
A nurse—”I think called Holly”—also appeared on the scene, managing Mark’s airway until both land ambulances and the Great Western Air Ambulance arrived. Mark was airlifted to the Bristol Heart Institute for emergency care.
Doctors found “no clear cause… the plumbing broadly all ok but clearly an electrical fault blew the fuse!!” He now lives with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which acts as his personal defibrillator.
Giving Back to a Life-Saving Service
Now recovering and back on his feet, Mark is running the Bristol Half Marathon in May. It’s his way of giving back to the Great Western Air Ambulance, who played a critical role in saving his life.
“The Air Ambulance is CRITICAL to this,” he says. “I would be hugely grateful for any donation you are able to make, it is all going to a great cause.”
Supporting the Cause
Donating is simple, fast, and secure through Mark’s JustGiving page. Gift Aid can also be claimed automatically if you’re a UK taxpayer, increasing the value of your donation.
Every contribution helps this vital emergency service continue saving lives like Mark’s.
Wishing Mark the Best on His Next Challenge
Mark’s story is one of resilience, community, and a deep desire to give back. From inventing life-improving products to surviving against the odds, he continues to make a difference.
We wish him all the best for his half marathon and ongoing recovery. If you’ve ever benefitted from one of Mark’s Hydrate for Health products, this is a powerful moment to show support.
Please consider donating: Mark’s fundraiser for the Great Western Air Ambulance