London to Brighton - The Live Blog!

10:24am

There is a really interesting piece in the Daily Mail today: “Why cycling is so close to my heart”. Journalist Sebastian O’Kelly talks about why he is doing the London to Brighton Bike ride.

Also in the article is the amazing story of Brian Unwin, who due to a heart condition couldn’t take part in any sport and barely walk. A heart transplant at 28 his life changed life completely he is now playing football and leading a active life at 48. Shows the importance of the donor register and how it can save lives.

Can’t find the story online but it is on page 30 of the Mail on Sunday today. Very moving story.

Cameras drop in at BHF HQ

A TV crew from the BBC paid BHF a visit yesterday to film one of our Speak Up workshops.

The cameras are following Hannah Jones for a documentary which will air later this year.

At the age of four, was diagnosed with leukaemia, and the medication gave her a life threatening heart condition.

Last year, aged 12, Hannah was told she would die unless she had heart transplant. But, tired of a life of invasive medical attention, she refused the operation and asked to be allowed to live her life, however long that may be.

The Hannah Jones Documentary follows Hannah's journey since her decision, as she takes her first steps to live her life despite having a terminal heart condition.

Yesterday was the first time she'd met other young people with heart conditions. After a series of games and activities at the workshop, which gave everyone a lot to think about, the day was completed with a fun trip to the London Eye.

Watch this space for more information about when the documentary will air.

Speak Up is our fun one-day workshop for young people aged between 13 and 19 who are living with heart conditions. As well as finding out how to feel more confident and communicate with others, participants learn how to talk to others about their condition in a supportive and creative way.

The Speak Up workshop is part of Meet@TeenHeart - our project for young people with heart conditions. Check out the Meet@TeenHeart website yheart.net/meet for more information or contact Sarah Ashton at ashtons@bhf.org.uk