Stu Grant, a 36-year-old fitness enthusiast, died after collapsing during a workout at his local gym in Worcester. The cause was a hidden brain condition he did not know he had, according to his sister Jodie Grant, 32.
On March 17, Stu began feeling sick at the gym for no apparent reason, then had a seizure that was unrelated to his exercise. About 24 hours later, his family were told he had died from arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a genetic condition.
What is AVM?
AVM is an abnormal cluster of vessels that doctors said had likely been present since birth or early childhood. It had spontaneously burst, causing a fatal brain bleed. Stu, a recruitment manager, was unaware he had the condition, which occurs randomly. Some people live their whole lives without knowing they have an AVM unless it ruptures.
His sister Jodie, a registered nurse from Canterbury, Kent, described him as "the healthiest man I ever knew." She said he had experienced some headaches but attributed them to stress and normal life, even buying blue light glasses for work.
Collapse and hospital care
Stu was rushed to Worcester Royal Hospital, where he was intubated in intensive care, but was pronounced dead on March 18. Jodie recalled: "He felt a bit sick in the gym, he was sick, and then he had a seizure - all in a heartbeat."
Doctors identified the AVM immediately from a brain scan. The family were told he likely died almost instantly and would not have known anything about it. Brain stem tests confirmed the catastrophic outcome.
Organ donation and fundraising
Because Stu was on the organ donation register, his donated organs saved three lives. His liver went to a 30-year-old woman, and his kidneys to two men in their 50s and 60s, though his heart and lungs were too damaged from the trauma.
The family are now seeking tests to see if they also have an AVM, and are raising awareness and funds for The Butterfly AVM Charity, championed by influencer Nikki Lilly. They are organising a group walk up Snowdon in North Wales in Stu's memory.
Jodie said: "He'd have loved exercising outdoors with other people, and spreading awareness of AVM. If there could be more awareness and testing for AVMs, it would change lives for the better."
