In February 2018, Joanna was diagnosed with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy following a cardiac arrest during a 'step and hoop' class at the leisure centre. She has since become involved with BHF Northern Ireland (NI) as a Campaign Volunteer. Joanna is also a full-time carer for her youngest daughter who has autism and severe learning difficulties and is a member of Carers NI, helping with publicity and raising awareness. She is a Governor on the Board of her old primary school and volunteers as a teaching aide. Previously, Joanna was on the Board of her daughter's special needs school for 8 years. Prior to her OHCA, Joanna enjoyed high impact exercise, but as she is no longer allowed to do this, instead she walks and gardens and enjoys meeting up with friends.