Murray Chenery leads support group after heart health scare

A former corporate bigwig’s outlook on life changed following a health scare. Now he is helping others.

Leading the Geelong Peer Support Group is Murray Chenery whose heart event journey has been manifested in The Heart In Me, a series of 22 "thumbnail" artworks sharing the vivid feelings and emotions of his double bypass heart surgery. Picture: Brad Fleet

Murray Chenery thought the sensation in his chest during his morning walks was indigestion.

But after seeking medical advice and “spectacularly” failing a stress test in May, further investigations indicated the Newtown man had blockages in his main artery.

Mr Chenery, who said he “dodged a bullet” avoiding a heart attack, had double-bypass surgery in June.

The 66-year-old developed three blood clots, which put him back in hospital twice.

His eight-week rehabilitation program took place at Barwon Health’s Sunrise Centre.

The highs and lows of his experience are being turned into 22 explorative paintings, aiming to inform and educate people about the emotional toll that comes with recovering from major surgery, while showing gratitude to the staff who cared for him.

The former corporate high-flyer, who was general manager of marketing at Target, said his return to art has been 50 years in the making.

He studied art and design before carving out his career in marketing.

He plans to exhibit his paintings inspired by his health experience.

“My artworks are a way to capture my thoughts and feelings through that experience, including my diagnosis, surgery, recovery and rehabilitation,” he said.

“I hope these works will convey that the mental and emotional side of the process is as important as the physical side of it.

Leading the Geelong Peer Support Group is Murray Chenery whose heart event journey has been manifested in The Heart In Me, a series of 22 "thumbnail" artworks sharing the vivid feelings and emotions of his double bypass heart surgery. Picture: Brad Fleet

“If it helps one person, it was worthwhile.”

Mr Chenery said the experience had been transformative.

“I’ve changed my priorities in life, I have slowed down,” he said.

“I walk every day, I’ve enhanced my diet.

“I take time out for myself.

“Each day is a good day because I wake up.”

Mr Chenery’s passion for sharing his experience to help others has also led to an appointment as Heart Support Australia Geelong peer support group leader.

“This group meets to help each other avoid returning to hospital with further heart issues,” he said.

Mr Chenery urged people, especially men, to listen to their bodies.

“I thought I was Superman,” he said.

“If you have discomfort in the chest you do need to get it checked out.”

The new Geelong peer support group meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Scotts Chartered Accountants offices at Sladen House, Newtown from 10am.

Heart Support Australia encourages people to get involved with the community support session by getting in touch with Mr Chenery by calling on 0408 598 180 or by emailing: [e-mail]

Originally published as Murray Chenery leads support group after heart health scare