British Heart Foundation

Please give this a read! ❤️

We recently attended the National Governance Association conference and spoke to the British Heart Foundation about The Circuit - the national defibrillator network.

BHF and their partners are on a mission to ensure every school defibrillator (and all defibrillators more broadly) are registered on The Circuit.

If a defibrillator isn’t registered on The Circuit, the ambulance service can’t see it when 999 is called, and the opportunity to save a life could be missed.

❤️ Check if your defibrillator is registered: https://www.defibfinder.uk/

❤️ Register a defibrillator: https://www.thecircuit.uk/

It can take as little as five minutes to register and there is no cost. It could make a lifesaving difference to someone and their loved ones.

Today, we are celebrating the incredible Joan Willett on her 108th Birthday! Joan won our hearts after walking more than 17 miles up and down a hill outside her care home during the pandemic – raising an incredible £60,000 to help fund our lifesaving research.

In 2023, Joan's inspiring fundraising efforts was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List, and she received a British Empire Medal, awarded for meritorious civil service worthy of recognition by the crown.

From all of us at the BHF, we want to wish Joan a very Happy 108th Birthday and thank her again for her incredible fundraising efforts! ❤️

Huge congratulations to Harry Marshall from Keighley, West Yorkshire! Harry ran 10 marathons in 10 days across 10 European countries, raising nearly £6000 for our lifesaving research. Running in memory of his mum, Alison Marshall, who passed away from heart failure in July 2021, Harry decided to take on the mammoth challenge during this poignant month to “help keep her memory alive”.

Starting in Amsterdam and ending in Slovenia, Harry clocked an impressive 264 miles and faced many challenges along the way, including running in temperatures of 37 degrees and braving elevations of 1000m. Reflecting on the challenge, Harry said “Knowing that I’m raising funds for research that can help keep families together longer kept me going. Mum was taken from us far too soon. I just hope the money I raise can stop that happening to someone else.”

Harry's journey is an inspiring tribute to his mum's bravery and a testament to his incredible determination. Thank you, Harry, for turning your love of running into a powerful force for good. Your mum would be so proud, as are all of us at the BHF. ❤️

Alex Magee, a lecturer from Derry/Londonderry, who survived two cardiac arrests, is taking on a one million step challenge to raise funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research. That's the equivalent of 470 miles, or the length and breadth of Ireland!

Alex's journey began in February 2020 during an expedition in Germany, where he suffered his first cardiac arrest. Thanks to quick medical intervention, he survived and was fitted with an ICD. An ICD is a small battery-powered device which detects and can treat life-threatening heart rhythms.

Alex is now on a mission to raise awareness and funds for heart health, saying "My experience has encouraged me to want to help others in a similar position. I want to get my message out there to help support anyone living with a heart condition to be strong, get help if you need it and stay positive. Even when it seems like your world has ended, it can actually be the start of a new chapter.”

You can support Alex by donating to his Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/alex-magee-1720429855904, or by joining him on one of his walks. Alex encourages anyone wanting to join him on a walk to contact him via his Just Giving page.

Join us in wishing good luck to Alex on his incredible challenge, are cheering you on. ❤️

Thousands of England fans head to Berlin to watch the final.

Something Josh, Claire, Myles, Tom, Libbey, Taylor, Danny and Jenny all dreamt of doing. A dream that was snatched away by heart disease.

But even though they can't watch the match, we’ve made sure they’re in Berlin supporting the team. We need your support too.

Help us fund the lifesaving scientific research that will help save young lives.

Donate now: bhf.org.uk/tilidied

This is Joseph.

Joseph Burns, a 23-year-old from North Belfast, was an electrician and popular barman at The Chester Bar. He loved fitness and playing 5-a-side football.

On 14th July 2014, 10 years ago this Sunday, Joseph collapsed at his parents’ home and sadly passed away. His sudden death left his family in shock and confusion. For months, they had no answers.

The turning point came when Joseph’s family was referred to the inherited heart conditions clinic in Belfast. Genetic testing revealed that Joseph’s mother, Una, and sister, Jeanette, both carry a gene change associated with Long QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited condition that can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. It is very likely that this condition led to Joseph’s untimely death.

“It’s very hard to hear that you have a change in your genes that can cause potentially dangerous heart rhythms but thanks to the testing, we now know we have this gene change, and it can be monitored,” says Jeanette.

With your support, we can fund more lifesaving research to keep hearts beating stronger and families together for longer: https://www.bhf.org.uk/tilidied

This is Chris.

He loved football and was a Rangers superfan.

In July 2017, Chris collapsed at work and died from a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 22.

When Chris was a child, he was diagnosed with an inherited heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). There’s currently no cure for this condition.

Due to HCM, he wasn’t encouraged to play football, but that didn’t stop him from getting involved in other ways.

“Chris used to love coming to Rangers games. He’d talk about it for weeks afterwards," said Chris’s dad Craig.

Much loved by his family, many friends and colleagues, his sudden passing left a void in the lives of all those who knew him.

“Losing a child never leaves you,” Craig explains. “You learn to live with it but it’s always like a piece of you is missing.”

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. We’re funding lifesaving research to help stop this tragic reality.

10 marathons, in 10 days, across 10 different countries. It might sound crazy, but this is what 26-year-old Harry Marshall is currently over half way through! Fundraising for our lifesaving research, Harry will be travelling through countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, eventually ending up in Slovenia, whilst travelling from one country to the next in a campervan.

Harry lost his mum to heart failure in July 2021 aged 54, just two years after he also lost his brother Tom. Having to cope with so much at such a young age, Harry wanted to take on the challenge to give back and create something positive out of the darkest time of his life. ❤️ Follow Harry’s incredible journey on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/scrambledlegs___/

Jake “absolutely loved football”.

But he hasn’t been able to watch England play this summer.

In 2018, that dream was snatched away when he died at just 16.

Jake was a talented young football player and he dreamt of becoming professional one day. He played for local team Pengam FC and at the age of 10 he had trials for Cardiff City FC and Bristol City. When Jake wasn’t playing football, he was devoted to one team only – Liverpool FC. He longed to go and see Liverpool play at Anfield - and his family had made plans to do that one day. But sadly, he never did.

Jake died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). His sister Chloe discovered him when she went to wake him for breakfast.

“We will never get any answers as to why Jake died and why it had to happen to him. We hear of tragedies happening to other families but never expect it to be yourself” says Chloe.

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK.

With your support, we can fund more vital research to help stop this tragic reality. https://www.bhf.org.uk/tilidied

What is sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS)? Swipe to find out more.

For information on SADS, click here https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/sads

Our research is providing much-needed answers and hope to families who have faced the challenge of losing loved ones to sudden cardiac death.

Professor Elijah Behr hopes to understand the heart rhythm problems that cause sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). With research, we hope to diagnose people before it’s too late. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/sads

This is Taylor.

He hasn't been able to watch England play in the Euros.

That dream was snatched away when he died at the age of 14 from a sudden cardiac arrest.

Taylor dreamed of playing football professionally one day and was a loyal Newcastle FC fan and season ticket holder from a very young age. Elaine, Taylor’s Mum, said “He’d always loved his football and had been kicking a ball around since he could walk.”

Taylor died overnight at home in his bedroom. His younger sister, Megan, who was just four at the time, discovered him the following morning. Initially, the cause of Taylor’s death was unexplained; however, it was later discovered that there was a problem with how his left coronary artery had developed and grown.

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. We’re funding lifesaving research to help stop this tragic reality.

This is Claire.

She hasn't been able to watch England in the Euros this summer.

That dream was snatched away when she died at the age of 22 from a sudden cardiac arrest.

Newly married, a qualified accountant and just about to launch her own beauty business, Claire’s Dad Graham remarked how she was “always driven, she knew what she wanted in life and worked hard to get there.”

While away at a spa weekend with friends, Claire collapsed having been in the swimming pool and whirlpool bath. Despite the best efforts of her friends, including a student nurse who performed CPR until the paramedics arrived, very sadly Claire couldn't be saved.

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. We’re funding lifesaving research to help stop this tragic reality.
https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/support-our-campaigns/until-i-died/claires-story

Inherited heart muscle diseases affect 1 in 250 people worldwide. Our research aims to use cutting-edge gene therapies to turn faulty genes into healthy ones.
Find out more: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/cure-heart

“Football was Tom’s world,”

But he hasn't been able to watch England play in the Euros.

In 2018, that dream was snatched away when he died at the age of 23 from a sudden cardiac arrest.

Tom loved sport and was playing football with his friends in Derbyshire when he collapsed. Despite heroic efforts by friends, a nearby football coach and medical teams, he couldn’t be saved.

"We wouldn’t wish this on anyone. If one young person gets a diagnosis of a previously unknown heart condition, or someone learns CPR then it’s been worth it,” says Tom’s mum, Nikki.

Tom was a staunch Sheffield United supporter and played for Carr Vale Colts FC from the age of four. He will always be remembered by those who loved him for his sense of fun, laid-back attitude and drive to get where he wanted in life.

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. We’re funding lifesaving research to help stop this tragic reality.

Meet Justin Maltz, one of our top fundraisers for this year’s Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim, raising over £3,000 for us in his first-ever event. Inspired by his mother Valerie’s heart health challenges, Justin, 55, is taking on this challenge with two friends.

Justin’s dedication and training have been remarkable despite being new to outdoor swimming and having a knee injury. Valerie, 87, had a heart attack at 50, a successful bypass seven years ago, and now manages heart failure with stents and medication. Reflecting on the importance of our lifesaving work, Justin said, “New breakthroughs are happening all the time, and we know the medicine and help my mum received wouldn’t have happened without the BHF.”

Join us in cheering on Justin Maltz and all the incredible swimmers dedicating their time and effort to the Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim for lifesaving research. ❤️

This is Jenny.

“She loved sports, but especially football.” She dreamed of being a football journalist.

That dream was snatched away when she died from a sudden cardiac arrest in 2012.

Jenny, age 22, was at a training session with her team when she fell to the ground in front of shocked teammates. The coaches tried to resuscitate her, but she sadly died later that evening.

“It was so uncontrollably overwhelming. To be honest it took me about three years to even begin to process my grief. I was only 19 at the time and I just remember thinking this shouldn’t be happening, I shouldn’t be having to grieve for my sister.” – Jenny’s brother, Ross.

“The last team Jenny played for was Hutton Ladies FC. She was talented and good technically – she played central midfield”

“It’s bittersweet seeing how far women’s football has come since Jenny’s death. She’d have been really happy.”

It was discovered that Jenny had Bland-White-Garland syndrome, a rare congenital heart condition that affects 1 in every 300,000 newborns. Apart from occasionally becoming out of breath during vigorous exercise, she never showed any symptoms.

Only with your support can we fund the lifesaving scientific research that will help put a stop to this tragic reality.

With one week to go until the General Election, heart disease must be a priority.

We need your support in urging bold, co-ordinated action from the next UK Government.

Help us end the heart care crisis by adding your name now: bit.ly/heartsneedmore

This is Myles.

He won’t be able to watch England play this summer.

That dream was snatched away when he died at the age of 15 from a sudden cardiac arrest, just a year ago in May 2023.

A keen Liverpool fan, Myles played as a striker for Brewood Juniors Football Club from the age of seven.

"He could smile for England. He had a great relationship with everyone and put his all into everything.” Myles’s mum Hayley said.

Myles’s dad Alden (‘Al’) also passed away following a cardiac arrest eight years before Myles, to the exact day. Doctors are currently running tests on Myles’s younger brother Carter.

“Myles struggled after losing his dad,” Hayley says. “I think the reason Myles’s cardiac arrest happened on the day it did was because he wanted me to know he’s safe with Al. That’s my only comfort,” says Hayley.

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. We’re funding lifesaving research to help stop this tragic reality.

Three years ago, 11-year-old Bea began experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness, and an unusually fast heartbeat called ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Genetic testing revealed she also had arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), a rare condition where the heart's structure can become weak. Bea’s father and other family members are also affected by ACM.

Bea is participating in a trial at Great Ormond Street Hospital led by BHF-funded Dr Angeliki Asimaki. The study uses regular cheek swabs to monitor ACM in children, a condition affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people and potentially responsible for 25% of sudden cardiac deaths in children.

This non-invasive method is used to track how a patient’s condition is changing and can allow doctors to tailor treatment so that sudden cardiac death can be prevented.

“The test is adding another layer of reassurance to the family that the condition is being monitored,” said Bea’s mum, Liz. “We think it’s so important to take part in this research to improve how ACM is monitored and managed for children in the future."

You can hear more from Liz about Bea’s story in our Live & Ticking webinar on Wednesday 26 June at 4pm. To sign-up for free, visit bhf.org.uk/liventicking

This is Sukhwinder Singh Rathor, known as Danny to his loved ones.

He won’t be able to watch England play this summer.

In 2009, that dream was snatched away when he died at just 27.

A proud dad of one and a big football fan, Danny was driving home from playing football with his friends. Although it remains unclear what happened, it’s thought that he pulled over after feeling unwell. He was later found outside his car by a member of the public, but it was too late to save him.

Danny’s family received the heartbreaking news that he had died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS).

His brother, Bhadur fondly remembers Danny as a cheeky chappie. “That’s what his friends called him. He always just had a big old smile on his face,”

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. This summer, we’re honouring 12 young people, and Danny among them, in beautifully painted murals across the UK.

With your support, we can fund more vital research to help stop this tragic reality.

As fever sweeps the nation, football fans have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Bid on iconic match-worn shirts from Euro stars Gareth Bale, Olivier Giroud, and Eden Hazard, and support lifesaving cardiovascular research.

These rare gems, dating back to the 2012/2013 season, are up for grabs on our eBay site, with bidding starting at just £49.99 per shirt.

The auction is live now, with bidding closing on 30 June at 8pm. Visit our eBay site to secure your piece of sporting history!

Bid on the shirts:
Gareth Bale: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387103760742
Olivier Giroud: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/395483202384
Eden Hazard: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/395483200343

Visit our eBay store for the rest: https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/britishheartfoundationshop/SPORTS-MEMORABILIA/_i.html?store_cat=3974002012

Libbey was “football mad”.

But she won’t be able to watch England play this summer.

That dream was snatched away when she died at the age of 20 from a sudden cardiac arrest.

For Charlie, Libbey’s brother, this loss is immeasurable.

“Libbey was football mad and so am I – we shared that. One of my best memories is when I surprised her with tickets to go and see Chelsea play Manchester City in Manchester in 2022. We got a coach there and we didn’t get home until 3am, but we had the best time – and she got to see Jack Grealish play in the flesh.”

“Libbey was my only sibling and when she died it was like I’d lost half of my body – I just felt really incomplete. My mum and dad have really struggled since Libbey’s death, so I just wanted to put on a brave face and be strong for them. But deep down, it’s killing me inside.”

“My mum suffered a heart attack just after Libbey was born so they’re trying to find out if it’s in the family.”

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK.

Only with your support can we fund the lifesaving scientific research that will help put a stop to this tragic reality.

www.bhf.org.uk/tilidied

We're so pleased to see Christian Eriksen’s return to the with Denmark. The events of the last Euros shocked the world, and served as a powerful reminder of the vital importance of immediate CPR and defibrillation for giving someone the best chance of survival.

Our new findings reveal over half (53%) of Brits said that high profile incidents of cardiac arrest – such as Christian Eriksen suffering a cardiac arrest at the Euros in 2021 – made them more aware of heart conditions generally.

Read more on our latest campaign on sudden cardiac death, and the importance of our lifesaving research: bhf.org.uk/tilidied

This is Jamie.

He won’t be able to watch Scotland play this summer.

That dream was snatched away when he died in 2013.

Jamie was just 13 years old when he passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest on the pitch, whilst playing in a match for Tynecastle Hearts Football Club. It was three days before Christmas.

He was known for his cheeky smile and sense of humour and is remembered as a real star.

“I think if Jamie had lived, I’d be watching him on TV now playing professional football. My brother was going somewhere in life, he would have made it,” says Jamie’s sister, Sonia.

A post-mortem discovered that Jamie’s heart was enlarged but no specific trigger for this was determined. Jamie’s death was put down to sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS).

“I think if there had been a reason for why it happened it might have made things a little easier,” Sonia says.

“I’ll never get over losing Jamie, none of us will, but you learn to live with it because you have to.”

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. We’re funding lifesaving research to help stop this tragic reality.

www.bhf.org.uk/tilidied

Inherited heart muscles diseases affect around 1 in 250 people worldwide.

These diseases result from changes in genes that impact on the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body. They can also cause abnormal heart rhythms due to the changes in the heart muscle.

Imagine if we could prevent this.

We could help save families from the fear that a loved one’s heart may stop.

That’s the vision behind CureHeart – our largest funded research project.

Find out more about CureHeart here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/cure-heart

This is Josh.

“Josh was just a really happy, bubbly, person. He was one of those people who made a big impact everywhere he went. As time goes on, I just think of what he’s missing out on.” - Olympic gymnast sisters Becky and Ellie Downie lost their brother Josh in 2021 to sudden cardiac death.

Sports-mad Josh collapsed whilst playing cricket at the age of 24. CPR was attempted and he was taken to hospital but nothing could be done for him.

It was later revealed that Josh was living with undiagnosed arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) – a rare genetic condition.

Each week, 12 young people are lost to sudden cardiac death in the UK. We’re funding lifesaving research to help stop this tragic reality.

www.bhf.org.uk/tilidied

Over a quarter of Brits believe a heart condition won’t affect anyone under 35.

Our new findings reveal that the nation is largely unaware of the devastating effect heart disease has on young individuals. Let's change this.

In time for the Euros 2024, we’ve unveiled twelve powerful murals across the UK. Each mural commemorates a talented young footballer or fan who tragically lost their life to sudden cardiac death in the UK.

These murals serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of lifesaving research.

Help us raise awareness and honour those lives lost too soon ❤️

https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf