Heart Valve Voice Reaches New Heights
At the beginning of February, Heart Valve Voice, the UK’s dedicated heart valve disease charity, invited some of our patients and their family members to join us on a climb up the 528 steps to the top of St Paul’s cathedral in honour of living your best life after valve disease treatment.
Inspired by one of our patient advocates who came up with the idea, the climb saw our team tackle the steps to the very top of the dome to take in the amazing views across London. The day helped us to raise awareness of valve disease and also spread our message that many valve disease patients gain back significant quality of life after they are treated.
“What a wonderful day! I was nervous leading up to the climb, but on the way up I was surprised at how well I was doing,” said Heart Valve Voice (PAG) member Marina McGrath. “To think, a few years ago I was struggling to catch my breath simply going on walks, and now I’ve just climbed up and down 528 steps without a second thought! I hope this helps people to understand that a diagnosis of valve disease doesn’t have to be a death sentence if they catch it and treat it in a timely way.”
Marina McGrath, Pat Khan and Keith Jackson
The St Paul’s Cathedral climb is one of many patient led events that Heart Valve Voice has put on over the past year and there are many more to come in the future.
“It’s events like this that make me so happy that I got involved in Heart Valve Voice a few years ago.” said Pat Khan, PAG member and Heart Valve Voice Trustee. “For me it has been so important to be a part of a cause that is literally so close to my heart. After my treatment for valve disease a number of years ago, this charity has provided me with so much support and has allowed me to also provide support to many others who have faced valve disease. Anything I can do to help raise awareness of valve disease and its symptoms is in my opinion extremely worthwhile and gratifying.”
Pat Khan and Marina McGrath
Volunteering with Heart Valve Voice can mean getting involved in a number of exciting events. For example, this year we have planned our second annual cycle ride from London to Paris, where cyclists are invited to ride at their own pace and help us spread the word about valve disease awareness (read about last year’s cycle ride here). Other events where we require volunteers include events like our St. Paul’s climb or our walk over the O2 as well as our testing events that involve providing sports fans with stethoscope checks and are held at major sporting events across the UK (you even get time to get a little spectating in on the day as well).
We are always on the look out for anyone who’s life has been impacted by heart valve disease, whether they are a patient, family member or friend, to get involved with us either by sharing their story on our website, volunteering for events or joining as a member of our PAG group.
Please contact us if you or anyone you know might be interested in joining us at Heart Valve Voice: [email protected] to find out more about Heart Valve Voice and what we do visit our website here.
