Driving home one day, Jo saw a man who had collapsed on the side of the road. What she did next would set her life in a completely new direction. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the British Heart Foundation hears from Jo on why learning CPR is one of the best things you can ever do. Only 1 in 10 people in the UK survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. But doing CPR with a defibrillator can, in some cases, more than double the chance of survival. Learn CPR here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-y...
Oct 07, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 33
From the minute she was born with a rare congenital heart disease, little Chanel Murrish was fighting for her life. On this episode, Ruth Huntman from the BHF talks with her mum Fay about coping with the shock diagnosis after a routine pregnancy scan, how her daughter’s remarkable fight to survive earned her a place in The Guinness Book of World Records and the ongoing challenges that Chanel, now seven, faces. For more information about Congenital Heart Disease: www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport...
Sep 30, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In his mid-40s, Darren was told his only hope of survival was a new heart. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with Darren about the years of poor health and moments of near-death which led to him needing the transplant. You'll also hear how Darren, with a new heart beating in him, is now grateful for every breath. Around 200 heart transplants are carried out on adults in the UK each year. And in the forty years since BHF-funded research helped make heart transplants a reality in th...
Sep 17, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Anna Smith Higgs suffered a devastating stroke one Christmas, when she was just 24 years old. On this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF talks with Anna about how, 17 years on, she's still living with the effects of the stroke - and why she decided to get up on stage and tell the world about it in a burlesque show. Information on stroke and the BHF research: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/stroke https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/circulatory-conditions-resear...
Sep 10, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In his late 50s and early 60s, George Rook knew something wasn’t right when his behaviour began to change. At 62, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with George, now 69, about what it's like living with this incurable condition. George opens up about grieving for the future he had in mind, but also how he's found purpose in raising the voices of people living with dementia as he calls for a more humane approach to the disease. Vascular demen...
Sep 03, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 29
At the age of 33, Ben discovered he had an inherited heart condition and would need a pacemaker to help manage it. In this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF speaks to Ben about what it's like to go from being a clinical lead in a hospital to a patient undergoing surgery, and what he's learned about navigating life with a pacemaker at a young age. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health, call the BHF’s heart helpline to speak with a nurse, between 9-5 on Monday to F...
Aug 20, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Haleema had five heart surgeries while pregnant and almost lost her baby girl. At one point, her family was told she probably wouldn't make it. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with Haleema, now 25, about her rare condition - and how her world changed the moment she looked into her daughter's eyes. More information on Haleema's condition, Marfan syndrome: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/research-successes/stopping-life-threatening-complications-of-marfan-syndrome h...
Aug 06, 2021•53 min•Season 1Ep. 27
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, she speaks to BHF Ambassador Graeme Souness. Graeme first had heart surgery at the age of 38. He talks about his shock at his diagnosis, how he believes stress impacted his life and why he is so passionate about research. For more information about heart attacks visit: https:/...
Jul 08, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 20
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, she speaks to Olympic silver medallist and World Champion, Roger Black MBE. Despite being diagnosed with congenital heart disease aged 11, Roger went on to achieve world renowned success in athletics. He tells Charmaine about keeping his heart condition a secret from his peers...
Jul 08, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 19
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, she speaks to children’s author Jacqueline Wilson. Jacqueline opens up about her shock at being diagnosed with heart failure in her 60s, what life is like living with an ICD, why swimming is so important and how her attitude to life has changed. For more information about hear...
Jul 08, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 23
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, she speaks to BHF Ambassador James Taylor. At the peak of his game as England captain, ex-cricketer James’ life changed forever when he was diagnosed with ARVC. He talks about how he was forced to give up the career he loved and come to terms with a life changing diagnosis. Fo...
Jul 08, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 22
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, she speaks to former Dancing on Ice Champion Alex Murphy. Alex was just 24-years old and working on a cruise ship when she had a stroke that left her unable to walk, talk and pursue her passion as a professional ice-skater. Alex opens up about what happened on the day of her s...
Jul 08, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 24
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, she speaks with Hibernian footballer Scott Allan. Scott was diagnosed with diabetes aged 3 and more recently with HCM. He talks about the shocking moment when he received his diagnosis, about nearly losing the career he loves and why being a role model for his son is so import...
Jul 08, 2021•25 min•Season 1Ep. 25
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, TV and radio presenter, Will Njobvu, explains how he was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse at the age of 22. He talks about navigating his way through his diagnosis whilst working in TV, nights out with the Love Island cast, how Covid impacted his condition and how his life...
Jul 08, 2021•37 min•Season 1Ep. 26
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, Charmaine chats to actress Kimberly Hart-Simpson and her sister Emma. Emma was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy aged 41. Emma reveals how her life has been affected by her diagnosis and the sisters reflect on how their relationship has changed as a result. Kimberly also r...
Jul 08, 2021•32 min•Season 1Ep. 21
To celebrate the BHF’s 60th birthday, Charmaine Griffiths CEO, speaks to celebrity supporters about their experience of heart disease and hears how their lives have been transformed thanks to BHF research. In this episode, she speaks to Glenn Hoddle. In 2018, Glenn’s life was turned upside down when he had a cardiac arrest while at work in the BT Studio. Glenn talks openly about what happened that day, what his recovery was like, how his mental health was affected and why everyone should learn C...
Jul 08, 2021•38 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Just before her 14th birthday, Harminder was told she had a heart condition called Vasovagal Syncope - and would need a pacemaker to manage it. In this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF speaks to Harminder about how her condition has affected everything in her life, from her education to romantic relationships - and why Harminder is now determined to help other girls living with invisible disabilities. Harminder's blog, A Girl After My Own Heart, can be found here: https://www.agirlaftermyow...
Jul 02, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 17
David Saunders was born with congenital heart disease, but never let it get in the way of him living his life. Approaching his 16th birthday, things took a sudden life-changing turn, presenting him with challenges he could never have imagined. In this episode, David, now 25, talks to Ruth Huntman from the BHF about how his heart condition changed the course of his life for good and how he has used humour to cope and inspire other young people along the way. You can find out more information abou...
Jun 28, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Ricky Brown had had a perfect New York day, until it wasn't. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with Ricky about the stroke he had at 38 and the trauma that followed. But also, how it might have been the best thing that ever happened to him. More information on stroke: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/stroke More on the BHF's research on strokes: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/circulatory-conditions-research/stroke-research And here's Ricky's blo...
Jun 10, 2021•58 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Paul Sowerby was having a normal Sunday morning playing squash with his daughter - until he collapsed due to a sudden cardiac arrest. In this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF speaks to Paul about what happens when 'the lights go out', how he came to terms with his cardiac arrest, and what he's been doing with his second chance at life. Paul now runs resilience and wellness workshops as part of Wordplay: https://wordplaygroup.com/about Learn CPR here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/...
Jun 04, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Amber Jeffrey’s life changed overnight when she was 19 after the sudden death of her mum from a heart attack followed by a cardiac arrest. On this episode, Ruth Huntman from the BHF talks to Amber about how she struggled to deal with her grief and find other young people to talk to with a similar experience of loss. And how starting her own grief podcast finally enabled her to cope – and inspire other young people in the process. If you’ve got any questions about your heart or circulatory health...
May 28, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Jean Peet had a heart attack while putting on her walking boots one Sunday morning during lockdown in May 2020. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF speaks with Jean about how her heart attack left her feeling vulnerable and, at times, alone. Jean also talks about how she drew strength from her past, and from strangers who knew what she was going through. Coronary heart disease kills more than twice as many women as breast cancer in the UK every year, and it’s the single biggest killer of ...
May 20, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Caron Curragh's life changed when she developed Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy - a condition where the heart muscle becomes suddenly weakened. On this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF speaks to Caron, a former professional dancer-turned Pilates teacher, about how she has kept going in the face of developing a condition she had never even heard of. Caron talks about how she changed her stressful lifestyle and armed herself with as much knowledge as she could about Takotsubo - and how she has helpe...
May 14, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 11
David Swales suffered a stroke just after he'd crossed the finish line of a 10k cross country race. On this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF talks with David about how his life has changed, coping with depression following a stroke, and his return to running - which led him to cross the finishing line of the London Marathon. Read David's blog about his stroke and recovery here: https://rowellswales.wixsite.com/website Information on stroke and the BHF research: https://www.bhf.org.uk/inform...
Apr 30, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Lesley's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with vascular dementia at age 50. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with her about the denial she fell into after her diagnosis, and how she’s found a way of living with a condition that, currently, has no cure. Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s, and it affects around 150,000 people in the UK. More on vascular dementia: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/vasc...
Apr 13, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Ripon was one of the 30,000 people to have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the UK, and he probably wouldn’t be here if those two strangers hadn’t have stopped, called 999 and started CPR. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with Ripon, whose decision to turn right instead of left outside of a London tube station may well have saved his life. Learn CPR here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life More information on what the BHF is doing to improve ...
Apr 13, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Claire Berouche's life changed in ways she could never have imagined following a family afternoon at the cinema. On this episode, Ruth Huntman from the BHF speaks with Claire, 54, a busy working mum who suddenly started experiencing crippling nausea - and put it down to a ‘dodgy sandwich’ and indigestion. But after a sleepless night ended in her being rushed to hospital, Claire was given the shock news that she had suffered a heart attack. Worse was to come when she was subsequently diagnosed wi...
Apr 13, 2021•45 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Annette Dancer suffered a life-changing stroke at the age of 61. On this episode, Molly Tresadern from the BHF talks with Annette, a former civil servant, TV extra and holiday home manager – and now a stroke survivor. Annette talks about how life has changed since she had her stroke at the age of 61, and how she has learned to embrace her ‘new self’ – even finding herself abseiling in the Lake District just six months after she’d been in hospital. Read more about the research Annette took part i...
Apr 13, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Alex Martin's hope of joining the army was dashed after a shock diagnosis. On this episode, Bill Snaddon from the BHF talks with Alex about the physical challenges and emotional strain as he recovers from a major operation, and adjusts to a new life with a mechanical heart valve. More information on heart valve disease and valve surgery: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/heart-valve-disease https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/treatments/valve-heart-surgery If you’ve got ...
Apr 13, 2021•40 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Hear real stories of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. You'll hear of challenges, but also reasons to hope. The Tickers Tapes began life as a podcast exploring the topic of women and heart disease. In the first few episodes, we heard from Carol, Zena and Esther. In raw and honest, yet intimate group conversations, each told us about their experience of having a heart attack. These first instalments of The Ticker Tapes were hosted by author and Guardian journalist Lucy Mangan. ...
Apr 13, 2021•53 sec