A message from Charmaine, our Chief Executive
Congratulations to all our 2024 winners and nominees. From lifesavers to young advocates, to fundraisers and researchers, our inspiring 2024 Heart Heroes have transformed their circumstances into positive action for others.
A huge thank you also goes to all our Young Heart Heroes, their loved ones, family and friends who make their own incredible contributions to help power BHF-funded research. Also a massive thanks to every one of our CPR Heroes for bravely stepping in to attempt save someone’s life from cardiac arrest.
You are all amazing!
Dr Charmaine Griffiths
British Heart Foundation Chief Executive

The results are in!
On 3 December 2024 we held our 7th annual Heart Hero Awards, recognising our amazing supporters and celebrating their inspiring achievements.
Find out who our 2024 Heart Heroes are below.
- Hero of the Year
- Recognises a new or long-term supporter for their dedication to fundraising, volunteering, work in healthcare or research, a large donation etc.
- BHF Research Story of the Year
- Spotlights some of the extraordinary BHF-funded research taking place around the UK and how it’s been shared with the public.
- Fundraising Hero
- Showcases those who raise vital funds and awareness for our lifesaving research.
- Outstanding Partner Commitment to Cause
- This category recognises a longstanding partnership that demonstrates a strong shared commitment with BHF in creating a world free rom the fear of heart and circulatory diseases
- BHF Corporate Partner of the Year
- Highlights the support from corporate or community partners who promote the work of the BHF.
- BHF Sustainability Partner
- Recognises an outstanding organisation that has helped us towards our sustainability goals.
- Outstanding Contribution
- Acknowledges an individual or group who have helped BHF's mission over the years.
- Young Heart Hero
- Celebrates all our young fundraisers, advocates and heart patients supporting the BHF’s lifesaving work.
- CPR Hero
- Recognises those who have shown incredible courage and bravery by attempting to save a persons life from cardiac arrest through CPR.
Our winners

Hero of the Year
Winner: Elliot Awin

BHF Research Story of the Year
Winner: Dr Harry Pritchard and Professor Adam Greenstein

Fundraising Hero
Winner: Andy McKay

Outstanding Partner Commitment to Cause
Winner: Travelodge

BHF Corporate Partner of the Year
Winner: Claire's

BHF Sustainability Partner
Winner: Amazon

Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Ann Hartley

Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Brian and Ruth Thurtle
Young Heart Heroes and CPR Heroes
All our Young Heart Heroes and CPR Heroes are winners. Find out about each of our 2024 winners in the dropdown categories below.

Poppy Brown (4)
Poppy was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS) and had an operation at three days old. In total Poppy has had 10 operations, with the latest taking place in January 2024. This procedure was very long and difficult for Poppy, as she was in theatre for 11 hours, and spent 91 minutes on bypass – longer than the usual time during a procedure. Spending a week in intensive care, doctors informed the family that there could be weeks ahead for further operations and treatment. However, Poppy dug deep, and after one week she amazed all the doctors and surgeons at the hospital with how well she managed and recovered. Poppy’s dad, Ben, said, “We are all really proud of her and thought this would be an amazing award for her, so she knows just what a little hero and warrior she is. She’s an inspiration and my hero.”
Alba Butler (7)
Alba was diagnosed with the heart condition transposition of the great arteries (TGA) before she was born, following the 20-week scan, leaving her parents Alejandra and Daniel shocked and terrified. She underwent her first heart operation at an hour old and then had open-heart surgery at eight days old. Alba has since developed pulmonary stenosis, and it’s expected she’ll need further surgery in the future. Alba and Alejandra featured in BHF’s Spotlight campaign in September 2023 and have also supported the work of the Philanthropy team. Alba is now at primary school and openly talks about her heart health journey as she’s proud of her surgery scar. “Alba is amazing and wise beyond her years. She tells people: ‘When I was born my heart was the wrong way round – so they switched it,’” says Alejandra. “I still have the BHF booklet I was given at the hospital after Alba, then not yet born, was diagnosed. Alba now looks at it and says: ‘Look Mummy, there’s people that have special hearts like me.’”
Mia Clarke (5)
Before birth, Mia was diagnosed with the congenital heart condition coarctation of the aorta. At just 10 days old, Mia underwent corrective surgery carried out by previous Heart Hero Award winner and BHF-funded researcher, Professor Massimo Caputo. Mia underwent a second heart operation at five months old to widen her left ventricle – again surgery was done by Professor Caputo. She then had a third operation at two years old. The day after this surgery, Mia had a cardiac arrest with doctors having to perform CPR. “I have a mended heart. I’m brave because of my heart,” declares Mia about her surgery scar. In October 2022, at age three, Mia underwent a balloon stent on her aortic valve and is expected she will need more surgery in the future. She’s now in Year 1 at school, is confident and happy, with a lovely group of friends. Parents, Lee and Jo married in July 2023 and Mia was a flower girl. Jo says: “Life could have been so different but we’re so proud of Mia. She’s confident, happy and loves school. The bond between the three of us cannot be broken.”
Lennox and Sonny Crook (6 and 3)
Nicknamed ‘the heart brothers’ by their proud parents, Danielle and Joe, the boys were both born with heart conditions – just two years apart. The brave brothers both underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery shortly after birth and spent the first weeks of their life in hospital – unable to celebrate their first Christmas together. Mum Danielle says, “When I look at Lennox and Sonny, I just feel so emotional and full of pride in how they’ve dealt with everything. We try not to hold them back because of their heart conditions.”
George Donnelly (1)
After George was born at 40 weeks it became evident that he was unable to circulate oxygen properly around his little body. Rushed to a neonatal intensive care unit, it was discovered he had an undiagnosed congenital heart condition – total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD). At less than 12 hours old, George was taken for immediate open heart surgery to Bristol Children’s Hospital, where he remained in ICU for 7 weeks due to a further condition and complications. After 3 months, George was cleared to go home, but a scan revealed he had developed pulmonary stenosis and rushed for another open-heart operation. Soon after surgery, the stenosis returned and the family we were given the choice between one more open-heart surgery or end of life care. The family chose to fight for George. So, in January 2023, Geroge had one last operation at just 6 months old with no further interventions. “Throughout this entire ordeal George has done nothing but smile, laugh and make everyone around him feel his love,” said mum, Chloe. “His courage and fight for life is nothing short of amazing.”
Loui Evans (7)
Loui has the congenital heart condition, complex transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Since he was born, the family have supported BHF and have raised awareness of heart and circulatory disease. A resilient, sassy, happy little boy, Loui lets nothing get in his way. “I picked out Loui’s name before we knew about his heart defect, low and behold his name means warrior,” said mum, Jasmine, “He’s been a warrior since the day he took his first breathe. Loui will always be my hero, he taught me to never give up.”
Freeman-Ware / Donne family
Isabelle (12) was diagnosed at birth with truncus arteriosus and has since had three open-heart surgeries between 2011 – 2023. Siblings, Courtney (17), Freya (7) and George (6) have been relentless in their practical and emotional support to Isabelle through her decline in health and surgeries. George and Freya have fundraised for BHF through cake sales, corporate golf days, collecting change in a supermarket and even gave up their Christmas Eve for a collection in their local high street. In August 2023, Courtney completed Tough Mudder raising just over £1,000, while Freya and George took part in the Lidl Mudder at the same time. The family constantly raise awareness for BHF and talk openly and confidently about heart disease amongst their friends and at school. The siblings are selfless, considerate, and never complain about the impact of Isabelle’s heart disease on their own childhoods.
Reuben Foster (4)
Before birth, Reuben was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Although the family are from Glasgow, Reuben’s condition meant he had to be born at London’s St Thomas Hospital in London. Arriving 4 weeks early, he was too small for his first of 3 planned open-heart surgeries. So, at just 2 days old, he had to undergo other lifesaving interventions. At over a month old, Reuben underwent his first open-heart surgery and recovered well. During the family’s first ever day out, Reuben went into cardiac arrest at 7 weeks old and was taken to hospital where he was rushed to resuscitation. After seizures and becoming increasing ill, he was airlifted back to London, fighting sepsis before undergoing his second open heart-surgery at 4 months old. After the procedure he suffered a haemorrhage and went back on an ECMO machine, and the family told to prepare for the worst. Thankfully, Reuben overcame this difficult time and had his third open-heart surgery in February 2024 with no complications. Reuben is proud of his ‘zip’ and ‘special heart’ and lights up every room he walks with his smile and amazing sense of humour.
Ava Jayson (9)
Ava has a rare heart condition called PPa2, which leaves her at high risk of cardiac arrest and heart failure. She has suffered two cardiac arrests in her young life, at just 16 months old and at age 7. Both times led to Ava spending many months in intensive care, on ECMO, life support, and going through rehabs. Ava will require a heart transplant in the future. Recently, Ava completed a gymnastic fundraiser to help fund a defibrillator in her school as she knows the importance of these lifesaving devices, as she requires to carry a portable defib wherever she goes. Despite this, Ava’s zest for life and cheeky sense of humour are addictive. Though small in stature, Ava is known to have a huge personality and faces any obstacles with determination and a big smile on her face. “Her bravery and zest for life is inspiring, she’s strong, courageous and loved by everyone for her sassy nature and infectious laugh,” says mum, Krystina. “Ava and our family support and fundraise for BHF in hope to fund research and development to help more heart patients like us in the future.”
Ivy Lloyd (7)
Holly and Mark Lloyd were expecting their first baby in August 2017, but at the 20-week scan they discovered that their daughter had a congenital heart condition – transposition of the great arteries (TGA). This condition meant that Ivy needed open-heart surgery – the ‘switch procedure’ – to swap the major heart arteries back to their normal position. In November 2018, Holly and Mark appeared on BBC’s The One Show to talk about Ivy’s story and surgery. After their appearance, they were contacted by Alejandra Garcia, mum of fellow 2024 Young Heart Hero Alba Butler, who went on to have the same corrective surgery as Ivy. Ivy is now seven and thriving with both families now friends, brought together in part by BHF.
Esme Mariani (3)
Emily and her partner Mathew, were looking forward to life’s next chapter when their daughter Esme was born on New Year’s Day 2021. After a relatively normal pregnancy, the couple thought everything had gone to plan, but they quickly became concerned with Esme’s health. After a series of tests, Esme was diagnosed with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) and had open-heart surgery at Bristol Childrens’ Hospital when she was 6 months old. Three years on, Esme doesn’t let her condition hold her back. She loves animals, riding her scooter, and has even been skiing!
Raphie Marquiss (7)
During a regular autism check-up with Raphie’s specialist paediatric consultant, the doctor informed the family that Raphie may have a heart murmur. After a 6 month wait, in July 2023, Raphie was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and heart failure. Undergoing further tests two weeks later, doctors discovered that Raphie at just 6 years old had a ‘functionally bicuspid valve with mild stenosis and mild regurgitation’. Raphie will need multiple open-heart surgeries throughout his lifetime. His life is now, and will forever be, in the hands of doctors. “The one thing as a parent you want to do is to protect your child, but that had just been taken away from us. We wanted to swap places with him,” explains mum, Candice. However, the youngster has been amazingly understanding about his heart condition and has since raised awareness and over £15,000 for lifesaving research. “Raphie’s life is full of sport. Something that he excels at,” said Candice.
Teddy McPhee (2)
Teddy was diagnosed with aortic stenosis in August 2022 at just 10 days old. Undergoing a procedure at 2 weeks old, a dissertation, or rip, of his artery was found which meant staying a further 2 weeks in hospital. Surgeons from all around the world questioned whether it was safe for the youngster to have open-heart surgery. It was decided that it was the only option. Teddy’s life was saved after 13 hours in theatre, making him one of the youngest babies in the UK to have the Ross Procedure – a cardiac surgery in which a diseased aortic valve is replaced with the patient’s own pulmonary valve. Teddy, from West Dunbartonshire, now enjoys an action-packed life with big brothers Bradley and Robson with the family regularly fundraising for BHF. “We will be forever thankful that Teddy is a true Heart Hero and pulled through,” said mum, Gillian.
Mindy and Sonny Page (6 and 4)
After their nan underwent lifesaving heart surgery to replace a leaking heart valve and aneurysm in 2021, grandkids Mindy and Sonny wanted to help. The siblings walked a mile from Weston’s Grand Pier to the seaside town’s waterfront to raise money for lifesaving research. Mindy was 3 years old at the time, and younger brother Sonny just 18 months, when they took on the challenge. ‘Mindy’s Mile’ raised just under £1,000 with all proceeds donated to BHF to further research into preventing heart disease.
Ivy Scott (7)
Ivy has hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) which is a life limiting heart condition. Born just before Christmas, Ivy had to undergo her first open-heart surgery at just 8 days old. Two more open-heart surgeries were required at 7 months old and again at 4-years-old – the day before Ivy was due to start school. As a baby. Ivy struggled to eat and had a peg, and a Mic-key button fitted, which were removed when she was 5 years old. Ivy fundraises for the cardiac ward of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, which saved her life. She also raises awareness of her condition on social media and by sharing her story with other heart charities like BHF. She takes her heart condition in her stride and is proud of her scars, and she does it all with a smile on her face whilst also thinking of others.
Maia Wiggett (10)
Maia was born 6 weeks premature weighing just 3lb 1oz. She was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD) and a ventricular septal defect (VSD) as well as with a rare condition, tracheal stenosis. As well as her own challenges, Maia is a young carer for her disabled younger brother. Maia has created her own YouTube channel to promote educational fun activities for all children, but especially for her brother who has learnt Makaton signing. Maia has embraced her condition by raising funds and awareness to help others. Mum Meera said, “Maia is an incredible little girl, and it would be great to recognise what she has done since.”
Sienna Wilshere (6)
During a family holiday in Cyprus, a doctor detected that Siena had a heart murmur and urged the family to take her to a cardiologist. Back in the UK, Siena, who was five at the time, had further tests and it was confirmed she had a congenital heart defect – a hole in her heart. “We never thought it would be as serious as it was. I remember just breaking down, thinking where do we go from here.” said former England and Arsenal footballer, dad, Jack. “My mind was racing to the worst-case scenario – the first thing that came to my mind was that we might lose her.” Mum, Adrianna added, “When we went down to the intensive care unit, it was all such a blur. I heard Siena cry, and it was then I knew she was going to be OK.” Just one month after diagnosis, Siena underwent a successful operation to repair the defect in February 2024. Now aged six, she has recovered well from the surgery and no longer suffers from breathlessness. “We call her our heart warrior,” said Jack, “The bravery and strength she’s shown has been incredible, and we are just so proud of her.”
Imran Badin
Imran’s Royal Mail colleague, Michael, collapsed at work due to a sudden cardiac arrest. Without a second thought, Imran performed CPR on him for nearly 10 minutes and used the workplace defibrillator to help save his life. “Training comes into your head straight away,” said Imran. “I got down, started the compressions, I was on my phone to the paramedic who was giving me advice all the way through. I kept on going, I didn’t stop”. Months later, a chance meeting in a shopping center unexpectedly led to Imran being reunited with Michael for a quite emotional reunion.
Carol Barker
Carol came home early from work on 13 September 2023 after her husband, Dave, told her he was felling unwell. Dave, was unwell. Dave had a cardiac arrest and Carol called 999 and performed CPR on him for over 10 minutes. After having two stents fitted and spending weeks in hospital Dave has made a full recovery – thanks to Carol’s quick actions.
Ray Bolton
In January 2024, Jon had a cardiac arrest on the pitch while playing in a football match. Ray, a spectator, performed CPR for 21 minutes until paramedics arrived. Jon had an ICD fitted and has made a full recovery and is now doing well. The cardiology staff commented that if it wasn’t for Ray’s quick-thinking Jon would not have survived.
Andrea Bond
On 15 August 2022, three days after her mother sadly passed away, Andrea’s husband had a cardiac arrest while on holiday at an Air BnB in Northern Ireland. Andrea called 999 and performed CPR on Steven for about 13 minutes until paramedics arrived – ultimately saving his life.
Bray-Lewis Bowker
Bray-Lewis saved the life of his father, Craig, after he had a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Performing CPR for over 15 minutes until an ambulance arrived, Bray-Lewis was praised by the medical crew and doctors who suggested that Craig nominate his son as a CPR Hero.
Craig Burton
Sharon Burton’s brother was feeling unwell with chest pain and suddenly collapsed. Husband, Craig, rushed over and started CPR for about 10 minutes until paramedics arrived. Sharon said, “Craig has epilepsy and was not worried about himself, he just got down and did it. I was very worried he would have a seizure as he was so exhausted”. Risking his own health, Craig’s bravery saved his brother-in-law’s life.
Tania Cheale
On 29 April 2023, after only being married for seven months, Tania saved her husband’s life. Tania performed CPR on Richard for 12 minutes at their home, whilst their two children were upstairs in bed. Richard has hypoxic brain injury from the incident, but says, “Tania has been my absolute rock; she continues to support me on a daily basis whilst making others aware about how important it is to learn CPR”.
Jason Cross
When Kenneth Stewart collapsed, Jason stepped in to performed CPR. Both were strangers to each other prior to the incident but are now forever linked through an incredible act of bravery and courage.
Emma Darker
When 62-year-old John Martin had a cardiac arrest at Luton Airport passport control on 9 May 2022, Emma didn’t hesitate to begin CPR. Emma was recognised for her lifesaving effort by John and his family through a charity golf day followed by a celebration meal in October 2023. Both John and Emma have since shared their incredible story to support the work of BHF.
Eric Downey
Having received CPR training at work three years prior, Eric saved the life of his wife, Katharine, at home on 26 July 2023. By doing chest compressions for over four minutes until paramedics arrived, Eric undeniably saved Katharine’s life that day.
Vivian Mae Dumangas
On 30 March 2024, Leigh Pond had a sudden cardiac arrest whilst driving along the A428. Losing consciousness, the car swerved onto oncoming traffic hitting the side rail near the bridge crossing of the River Ouse. Vivian, a cardiac nurse, was travelling in a car behind the accident and immediately rushed to help. Delivering CPR, she resuscitated Leigh as emergency service arrived. Leigh’s wife, Wioletta said, “I am so grateful and in awe of the people on the scene that day, particularly Vivian”.
Cara Gale
On 16 March 2024, Cara (15) called 999 and started CPR on her older brother, Josh (21), who she could not wake up. Josh was grey and his lips were blue. Cara did Heart Start at school and knew how to deliver lifesaving CPR. She continued calmly by following the instructions given by call handlers until an ambulance arrived. The ambulance crew said, “Without Cara’s actions Josh would probably not be here today. This young girl went above and beyond to save her brother’s life.”
Lydie Goodman
Early one morning in April 2018, Lydie’s husband, Darren, had a sudden cardiac arrest whilst at home asleep in bed. She called 999, putting the call handler on speaker and alerted her friend and neighbour who helped to pull Darren onto the floor and begin chest compressions. She performed CPR for ten minutes until medical help arrived. Darren had several more cardiac arrests whilst in hospital and in November 2018 he underwent a heart transplant. Darren and Lydie have since met his donor’s mother. “I’m so glad that I was present with Darren when he had his cardiac arrest and so happy I could help,” Lydie says. “I feel so emotional being nominated for CPR Hero".
Diane Golder
While visiting her parent’s home on 31 August 2023, Diane saved her father’s life by performing CPR after he had a cardiac arrest. Her dad survived with no complications other than a few broken ribs. Diane’s family say she is their hero.
Peter Harm
While taking a lunch break at an A19 service station on 22 February 2024, Peter saved the life of a stranger. Peter performed CPR for nearly 20 minutes, as he reassured the man’s son, until emergency services arrived at the scene. The paramedics thanked Peter and stated that his actions were vital to saving the man’s life.
Katherine Hawkins
Katherine has saved the lives of two people over the years by performing CPR. Nominated by her father, Mark, he said, “You have to say people have just been lucky she was there and was prepared to get involved and help”.
Debra Jerdan
After Graeme had a cardiac arrest, Debra dragged her husband to the floor and performed CPR until paramedics attended. Defibrillated twice, Graeme was placed on a life support machine for two days before being fitted with an internal defibrillator. His heart specialist said that “if Debra had not been with Graeme he wouldn’t have survived”.
Kerri Jones
On a country lane, Kerri witnessed a car accident as an elderly gentleman had passed out at the wheel and stopped breathing. She performed CPR until paramedics arrived, saving the man’s life who made a full recovery. Several years later, while waiting with her husband and baby at a Portugal airport for a flight back home, a fellow passenger had a cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, Kerri resuscitated the individual by performing CPR.
Kerry Ketley
Kerry had learned CPR following the death of her brother, who had a cardiac arrest while at home alone in 2018, not realising at the time that she would be using these skills on her other brother five years later. In April 2023, Kerry’s brother, Phil, had a cardiac arrest after competing in a walking football tournament. Phil had visited Kerry where he collapsed, and she immediately performed CPR for four minutes until paramedics arrived. Phil is now in good health and feeling positive about the future.
Christine Kidman
Christine administered CPR to seven-year-old Harry when he had a cardiac arrest at his after-school club. Christine had completed a first aid refresher (including CPR) days before the incident, and for over 15 minutes fought to save Harry’s life until an ambulance arrived. It has been recognised by attending medical staff that without Christine’s efforts Harry would not have survived.
Sean Lewis
While waiting in a queue to pay for lunch, Sean saved a stranger’s life when a man unexpectedly collapsed from a cardiac arrest. Sean performed CPR until an ambulance arrived and was heard saying to the patient, “Not today mate, not letting you go today”.
Niamh Lyons
Niamh had never performed CPR before, but she saved the life of her mum, Elaine, while her sister looked out for the paramedics.
Michael and Niamh Martin
When Martin’s wife, Lisa, collapsed at home, he delivered CPR as daughter, Niamh retrieved a defib from their local library which saved their loved one’s life.
Julie and John Matthews
Nominated by their daughter Lily, Julie and John courageously stepped in to perform CPR on Lily’s friend’s dad, Adam, when he had a sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Henry McKechnie
Whilst playing his regular weekly football game, GP Dr Nick Thomas collapsed towards the end of the match. His teammate Henry, along with two others, realised something was wrong. Henry led the lifesaving effort by starting CPR and instructing others. Retrieving a nearby defib, they shocked Nick’s heart twice and brought him back. Henry is an advocate of CPR and BHF – along with Nick – and both supported the charity’s Heart Month activity with appearances on the BBC. Nick said: “But for that quick thinking I wouldn’t be here now. Amazing!”
Robert Miczolek
On 12 December 2023, Matthew had a cardiac arrest at 2am at home. His partner, Robert, performed CPR for 15 minutes before an ambulance arrived on site, ultimately saving Robert’s life.
Paul Nicholson
Paul was dropping off an item at a club and heard someone asking for a defib code. He went into the venue and found someone on the floor not breathing. Establishing that 999 had already been called, Paul started CPR while explaining to another person how to set up the defibrillator. He continued to do CPR for up to 20 minutes, also deploying the defib, until an ambulance crew arrived, saving Gary’s life.
Mandy Norman
Having been trained in CPR two months before, Mandy put her new skills to the test when a customer at the gym she works at had a cardiac arrest. Mandy performed CPR for ten minutes including delivery of multiple shocks from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) until the patient’s heart resumed a regular rhythm and breathing. Mandy saved the stranger’s life, and the gym member made a full recovery.
Josie and Jasmine Perry, and Zena Chapman
On 17 October 2022, sisters Josie and Jasmine with their mum Zena save the life of Jonathan Belke on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Josie performed CPR and Jasmine called emergency services, as Zena comforted Jonathon’s distraught wife. Jonathon was shocked with a defibrillator and taken to hospital where he had an ICD fitted.
Brian and Michelle Scott
On 24 February 2024, while refereeing a school football game, Tony Gribbin collapsed from a cardiac arrest. Watching at the side of the pitch, husband and wife, Brian and Ruth sprang into action. Brian began CPR on Tony, as Michelle ran to retrieve a defibrillator from a nearby supermarket. The joint lifesaving effort continued for 15 minutes until paramedics arrived – ultimately saving Tony’s life.
Pippa Sharman
When Pippa observed that David Norman was in cardiac arrest, she quickly carried out CPR and succeeded in restarting his heart. After two months in hospital, David made a full recovery. He said, “I have no doubt at all that Pippa’s actions saved my life. We hadn’t met before but are now good friends and have met several times despite living some distance apart.”
Oliver Shepperd
After hearing a loud bang outside his home, Oliver discovered that a motorcycle accident had taken place. Jumping over his garden fence to help, he performed CPR on the motorbike passenger for over 20 minutes whilst waiting for an ambulance. Sadly, the driver didn’t survive but the passenger did thanks to Oliver’s calm and quick actions.
Ellie Starks
A visit to her parent’s home on 4 August 2023 turned into a life-changing moment for hospice nurse Ellie. Her father, Dennis, collapsed on the sofa from a cardiac arrest. Whilst her mum, Helen, called for help Ellie spang into action. She did chest compressions for 25 minutes until ambulance services arrived. Dennis spent 25 days in hospital and was fitted with an ICD, which allowed him to see Ellie get married and celebrate his 70th birthday.
Olivia Sugg
After learning CPR at work just two weeks prior, Olivia saved her mum’s life at home. Calling 999, Olivia delivered CPR on mum, Bridget, for over eight minutes whilst she waited for an ambulance to arrive. Thanks to Olivia’s quick thinking, Bridget survived with no complications. Olivia now dedicates her time to ensuring her friends and family are CPR trained and has engaged with medical professionals to enable her to run free CPR training sessions and encouraging local businesses to install defib devices.
Katherine Wood
Katherine and her fiancé, Adam, were home asleep when he had a cardiac arrest. She performed CPR for 16 minutes until paramedics arrived. Medics told Katherine that it would be rare for Adam to survive, but four days later he woke up from being in a coma.
Bruce Cummings, Darren Jackson and Neil Hogarth
Bruce, Neil, and Darren saved a colleague from cardiac arrest whilst working on a rural building site. Bruce raised the alarm, whilst Neil and Darren delivered CPR and used a defibrillator. Their colleague’s heart restarted before the ambulance arrived. The three were credited by the police officer who nominated them, saying it was “the finest response to a cardiac arrest I have ever seen”.
Stephen Barnes, Stuart Ferrans and Jarred Boyd
Stephen and his neighbours, Stuart and Jarred, saw Emer Gallagher collapse in the street. The three raced to give her CPR while waiting for an ambulance. Afterwards, the three lifesavers drove to Emer’s house to take her partner to the hospital. “It was astounding that three strangers could do what they did,” said Emer. “I’ll always be grateful because without them I wouldn’t be here”.
Lukas Jonassen’s Heroes
Amateur footballer Lukas had a cardiac arrest while playing six-a-side football at North Kesteven Leisure Centre in Lincoln. Lukas’ life was saved by other players and spectators, some of whom performed CPR on him for 15 minutes until paramedics took over and Lukas was taken to hospital. Lukas has made a full recovery.
Our 2024 Heart Hero Awards programme
Take a look at the 2024 Heart Hero Awards programme to find out about our extraordinary winners and CPR Heroes. Also, discover details on our judges, special guests and more.
Download our awards programme
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