BHF Cymru celebrates west Wales Heart Heroes

BHF Cymru is celebrating the inspirational people from west Wales who’ve been nominated in the British Heart Foundation’s Heart Hero Awards 2022.

The annual awards ceremony returns for a fifth year on Thursday 1st December. The charity will honour incredible young heart heroes who’ve shown remarkable bravery and gone above and beyond to help others while coping with the devastating impact of heart disease, as well as CPR lifesavers, innovative fundraisers, corporate partners, research champions and healthcare heroes working in the NHS.

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in London, with Vernon Kay hosting for the fourth time. He’ll be joined by celebrity judges including footballing legend David Ginola and Olympic gymnasts Becky and Ellie Downie.

Healthcare Hero Nominee

Dr Lena Izzat from Llanelli has supported BHF Cymru to raise awareness of the Heart Attack Gender Gap in Wales. As a female cardiologist she has spoken out about the unconscious and systemic bias in the health care system which leaves women who have heart attacks less likely to get diagnosed and receive the best care. Lena has been integral to a campaign which has secured a commitment from the Minister for Health to tackle health inequalities in Wales.

Innovative Fundraiser Nominees

Jeffrey and Sian Edwards from Milford Haven. Jeffrey has been diagnosed with heart failure and has had a pacemaker fitted. With his wife Sian, he has held the Bluestone Car Run in support of the BHF since 2011, and they have raised over £10,000. BHF Fundraising Manager for West Wales, Jayne Lewis, nominated the couple and said: “They are well liked and well known in the area, and people come to support them as they know about Jeff’s heart condition. Last year saw more participants than ever and so many people were so glad to be able to come and see Jeff and Sian. It was a wonderful event. We’re also grateful to the Haverfordwest and Narberth BHF branches for their support of these events.”

Lifesavers nominated as CPR Heroes for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a life-threatening emergency

Alun Sturley from Carmarthen who saved his father John.

Jean Thomas from Carmarthen, saved her husband Michael.

Head of BHF Cymru, Rhodri Thomas, from Carmarthen, said: “The Heart Hero Awards are the highlight of our year, bringing together inspirational nominees from different walks of life and from every part of the UK. From fantastic children to remarkable pensioners, they all share such spirit and embody the very best of us.

“I’m proud and humbled that so many nominees are from Wales, and I’m delighted to have met several of them in person to thank them for the amazing support they give the BHF and the motivation they bring to myself and the whole BHF Cymru team.

“Whilst we celebrate these brilliant Heart Hero nominees, we also thank each of our brilliant BHF supporters who power our lifesaving science and bring new hope to the 7.6 million people across the UK living with conditions such as stroke, heart disease and vascular dementia.

“I’m in no doubt that their dedication and selflessness will mean more lives will be saved from heart and circulatory disease, so thank you and congratulations to all our inspirational nominees”. 

The Heart Heroes Awards will be live-streamed at 8pm on Thursday 1st December. Register to watch the celebration online at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/heartheroes