Kenneth Dunjohn

Kenneth Dunjohn of East Finchley, London, UK is a lover of life and people, which is evident in everything that he does. As a young boy, Kenneth had aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, but couldn’t afford the school fees on his father’s cab driver earnings. Instead, he became a cub reporter for his local paper at the age of 16 and this turned into a life-long career and passion. Kenneth’s first big break came in 1945, when Winston Churchill was returning from the Yalta Conference and was diverted to a different airport due to dense fog. Kenneth was lucky enough to be one of a few journalists present at that local airstrip. The last 20 years of his career was spent as the Director of Public Affairs for UK’s brewing industry. Kenneth also has a family that he adores. He has been married to his wife, Grita, for over 50 years, and has three adult children and four grandchildren.

In 1963, Kenneth became an insulin-dependent diabetic after contracting the mumps from his young children. He was also a very heavy smoker for 40 years. In 1990, Kenneth began having serious heart problems. His cardiologist at University College Hospital (UCH), Dr. Malcolm Walker, recommended several treatments and continued to monitor Kenneth carefully. Unfortunately, at age 77, Kenneth’s heart condition worsened and he was prepared for heart valve replacement surgery. When discussing the new valve, Kenneth was offered either a mechanical valve or one made from the aortic valve of a pig. Kenneth, a student of meditation, wanted to avoid experiencing the slight rhythmical clicking created by mechanical valves. Kenneth also did not want to take an anti-coagulant for the rest of his life. Ultimately, Kenneth’s surgeon chose a valve made from the pericardial tissue of a cow. Kenneth jokes, “I went from snort to moo!”

On December 9, 2005, Kenneth’s aortic valve was replaced with a Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT valve by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, who was head of heart and thoracic surgery at UCH. The initial surgery went well, but Kenneth was returned to the operating room for additional treatment due to complications with his aorta and, due to his age and diabetes, this set-back prolonged his stay in hospital to five weeks. All was well for several months, but increasing breathlessness and difficulty with physical activity led to a decision to add a pacemaker, which was inserted in May 2006. According to Kenneth, since that time, he has been extremely well and able to lead a full, active life. Kenneth also has his diabetes under control and lays claim to having completed his 50,000th insulin injection!

As a testament to his continuing good health, Kenneth recently participated in a broadcast for BBC radio on the subject of a huge painting, which was painted by Sir Edward Burne-Jones in the 19th century. The King Arthur-themed painting was originally painted in the studio of a society where Kenneth and his wife study meditation. Kenneth also serves as the house historian.

Of course, Kenneth is happy that he physically feels better and is able to maintain his active lifestyle, but he is grateful for one additional, but very important reason. His wife, Grita, is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and requires his round-the-clock care. Having a new lease on life means that Kenneth can “be of service to his wonderful partner and spare her the prospect of going into a full-time care home.” Kenneth has very clearly lived life to the fullest and is determined to continue doing so.