Graham’s gift comes from the heart

As the author of two books about specific motor engine models, which have been published in more than 80 countries, he could be regarded as somewhat of an expert.

But even Graham still marvels at the most important mechanism of all - the human heart - a mechanism that, without the long-held expertise of The Alfred, he would not still be able to appreciate today.

"The Alfred has given me a life - 41 years of life," he said. "How many things have I done in that time?

"None of that would have happened. I owe them everything, absolutely everything. That's how I see it."

Speaking from within the Glen Iris apartment which he has called home since 1961, Graham's first experience with The Alfred came in 1983 when he got a "terrible pain in (his) chest".

A surgeon from The Alfred, Dr Bruce Davis, found four blockages in Graham's heart. He successfully had bypass surgery two weeks later.

"It was pretty rough in those days because they collapsed your lungs during surgery and I wasn't as fit as I should have been," he said.

"It was a bit of a struggle to get better, but I was determined."

During his recovery, Graham discovered an old friend whom he had not seen in 31 years at nearby South Camberwell Tennis Club - picking up a sport that he had loved (with a bit of talent to boot) as a child. He proceeded to coach there for the next 17 years.

Otherwise fit, the only other time he needed to return to The Alfred in relation to his heart was in 1995, after a suspected 'kink' in his coronary arteries.

"By this stage it had been almost 13 years since my previous surgery and the average was 8.5 years," Graham said.

"It's now been another 29 yeras and it's still going strong."

Graham toured the Cardiology Clinic at The Alfred earlier this year and was left amazed at what could be achieved after meeting the brilliant game changers present.

"They are my people," he said. "They are so good and efficient at what they do. The differences (that I've seen) are stunning."

Director of Cardiology at The Alfred, Professor David Kaye, said opportunities for he and the team to connect with long-term patients like Graham and hear their stories after treatment was "a real pleasure".

"During his entertaining and enjoyable visit, Graham described some of his impressive activities and my team and I are proud to have played a small part in helping him achieve them," Prof Kaye said.

"Generous gifts from donors is pivotal in providing us with the cutting-edge equipment we use to deliver the best possible care to our patients.

"In addition to providing the best care to our local community, our team is internationally known for the cardiac services we provide to those with the most complex forms of heart disease.

"Having access to the best and latest equipment allows us to give this care and stay at the forefront internationally."

Graham is pleased to be leaving a gift to The Alfred in his Will. To find out more about leaving a gift in your Will, please visit the website.