Half Marathon for Wessex Heartbeat

My name is Phoebe and I am running the Swansea half marathon with my friend Jenny. I aim to raise money for Wessex Heartbeat based in the south of England.

Wessex Heartbeat is a charity close to my family’s heart. My Uncle Andrew was born with a congenital heart defect in 1978, during his 29 years he underwent numerous operations at Southampton hospital. During these, sometimes very long, stays in hospital my grandparents were supported by Wessex Heartbeat, and often stayed at Heartbeat House allowing them to spend as much time with Andrew as possible. Sadly in 2007, just a year before I was born, my uncle passed away. Although I never met him I have heard lots of wonderful stories about him, and I want to do this race to raise money for the charity that helped my family so much. Thank you for your help xxx

Wessex Heartbeat are a regional charity established in 1992 that help babies, children and adults diagnosed with congenital and cardiovascular diseases primarily by supporting the work of the Wessex Cardiac Unit based at Southampton General Hospital. This is achieved by providing specialised equipment, services and facilities to help patients and their relatives through their cardiac journey.

How we help

Prevention

Providing medical equipment and funding research on the prevention of heart disease to the Wessex Cardiac Unit. Both equipment and services generally of a type that the NHS would not provide (for example leading edge or innovatory.)

Patient Support

Owning and operating a facility for people with loved ones on the Cardiac Wards. Heartbeat House is a 24 bedroom “home from home” adjacent to the hospital and provides accommodation for up to 35 people at any one time and is available to anyone whose relative is an in-patient in the Wessex Cardiac Unit.

Education and Training

Providing funds to train and educate staff in the Wessex Cardiac Unit ranging from supporting attendees at conferences to funding training courses for medical staff to enhance and advance their professional knowledge and skills.

Rehabilitation

Funding research on the rehabilitation and cure of heart disease.