WELSH TEN-YEAR-OLD WINS TOP CHARITY AWARD FROM THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION

WELSH TEN YEAR OLD WINS TOP CHARITY AWARD FROM THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION

An inspirational young heart patient has been named a Heart Hero at a star-studded awards ceremony in London.

Ten-year-old Llew John from Efailwen in Carmarthenshire won the Events Hero Award. Llew was born with a heart condition and underwent his first open-heart surgery when he was just nine days old. He has had two further open-heart surgeries, the last one in June of 2017. Llew selflessly asked for donations to the BHF instead of gifts for his 10th birthday, and when his friends heard of this, they donated money too to Llew so it could be given to the BHF and raised almost £500.

Llew attended the awards with his parents and little sister Mabli, and received his award from Welsh pop icon Shakin’ Stevens.

Llew said:

“I was really happy and surprised to receive this award. I had the idea to ask for money instead of birthday presents because I really want to help other children like me who have heart conditions to get better.”

Sky News presenter Kay Burley announced the winners at the BHF National Heart Heroes Awards on at the glitzy ceremony at Underglobe (underneath the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre) last Friday (October 5).

Guests and award presenters included Welsh pop icon Shakin’ Stevens, football legend David Seaman, TV Doctor Dr Hilary Jones, Shameless actress Karen Bryson and Inbetweeners star Alex Macqueen.

Fourteen awards were given to those who have shown remarkable bravery or have gone above and beyond to help others while coping with the devastating impact of heart and circulatory disease. Winners included dedicated healthcare professionals, children battling life-threatening conditions, heart surgery survivors, people who have displayed awe-inspiring courage by administering CPR and those who have raised huge amounts of money for the BHF’s life saving research.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the BHF, said:

“Our Heart Hero Award winners and nominees come from different walks of life and from every part of the UK. They range from incredible children to remarkable pensioners. But they all share a spirit that embodies all that is best about the UK.

“Without our supporters, we cannot fund research that beings new hope to the seven million people living with conditions such as stroke, coronary heart disease, vascular dementia and diabetes. 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 everyone who was nominated.

To fundraise for the BHF and to find out more about the charity’s life saving research, visit www.bhf.org.uk