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# Somerville Heart Foundation

For young people and adults born with a heart condition (CHD)

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://sfhearts.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Patient Blog](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/patient-blog/)
- [Men’s Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/mens-mental-health/)
- [Heartfest - You're invited!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/heartfest-youre-invited/) - For young people transferring to Adult Services When & Where? Sat 8th July 10am-4.30pm Tile Barn Outdoor Centre Church Lane Brockenhurst SO42 7UB Why come? We appreciate many of you have been closely cared for by the children’s heart team for a long time. It may be a scary thought for you and your
- [Antibiotic Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis](https://sfhearts.org.uk/infective-endocarditis/) - Find the attached leaflet containing information regarding Antibiotic Prophylaxis Against Infective Endocarditis, which has been supplied by The Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP). The BCCA (British Congenital Cardiac Association) and BCS (British Cardiac Society) have endorsed the SD-CEP (Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Partnership) recommendations. For more information, please visit the Website: www.sdcep.org.uk Disclaimer: The
- [Do you know a runner who is passionate about helping this heart community?](https://sfhearts.org.uk/do-you-know-a-runner-who-is-passionate-about-helping-this-heart-community/) - We’re excited to announce that we have places at the 2026 Royal Parks Half Marathon and the 2027 TCS London Marathon! Because race places are a cost to the organisation we need runners who are willing to commit to fundraising: Royal Parks Half Marathon on 11th October 2026 – We are seeking two dedicated runners
- [Struggling with the heat? Top Tips for CHD patients](https://sfhearts.org.uk/struggling-with-the-heat-top-tips-for-chd-patients/) - While much of the standard advice around staying cool and hydrated still applies, patients with congenital heart disease may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat due to how their cardiovascular system responds to increased temperatures. In hot weather, the body works harder to regulate temperature. Blood vessels dilate (vasodilation) to help dissipate heat,
- [Mens Health Week 2026](https://sfhearts.org.uk/mens-health-week-2026/) - Men's Health Week is 15th-21st June. This year we're highlighting one of our members, Mike Owen. Mike was diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in 1966, and had open heart surgery in 1973. After 30 years of palpitations, that he thought were connected to his ASD, he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which was
- [Amendment to Membership fees](https://sfhearts.org.uk/amendment-to-membership-fees/) - This charity exists to ensure no one faces congenital heart disease (CHD) alone. Everything we do, from our annual patient event and support services, to informative resources and community events, is made possible by you. We know that everyone has felt the impact of rising costs in recent years. Just as the cost of everyday
- [Sarah’s Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/sarahs-story/) - Living with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum OHS at two days old (1980) and three years old (1983) So here I go – finally putting pen to paper after all these years. I have recently been inspired by so many people who I have read about just lately after learning about Somerville Heart Foundation.
- [Lee Dobson - Beautiful Humans of the NHS](https://sfhearts.org.uk/beautiful-humans-of-the-nhs-lee-dobson/)
- [Izabel Oag - My Open Heart](https://sfhearts.org.uk/my-open-heart/) - I started to walk faster, legs shaking, and sheer panic overtook my entire body. As fast as my shaking legs could take me, I stumbled down the escalator of Oxford Circus station, attempting to get home. I carried the ‘panic attack’ label the doctor had kindly prescribed me the week before. The tube approached; it
- [Join the ACHD community on Facebook](https://sfhearts.org.uk/join-the-achd-community-on-facebook/) - We’re making improvements to our communications and social media platforms to ensure you have the best possible experience as part of the Somerville Heart Foundation community. Our private Facebook group has been an important space to connect for many years and we’re excited to announce this is moving to a new Facebook group. Please click
- [Roderick's Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/rodericks-story/) - Name: Roderick Skinner Age: 77 Age when diagnosed: 44 Condition: Triple bypass and replacement of defective (congenital) aortic valve with a mechanical heart valve. How has having a heart condition impacted on your mental health? The contemplation of heart surgery had the effect of my focusing on my own mortality. I was convinced that the
- [Margaret Smith - Ebstein’s and me](https://sfhearts.org.uk/ebsteins-and-me/) - Ebstein’s and me by Margaret Smith I was born in 1952 and diagnosed with Ebstein’s Anomaly at birth. The prognosis was that I would not survive with this condition. I spent my first few years in and out of Sully Hospital in South Wales. During this time I underwent two lots of cardiac catheterisation. The
- [Zoë Neville Smith - My ACHD Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/zoe-neville-smith/) - Hi everyone! My name’s Zoë, I’m 38 and I live just outside Cambridge with my husband Al and our two cats. This is my ACHD story. 10th October 2022 started like any other Monday. I was working in my remote role as Head of Marketing for an international company. I was standing at my desk,
- [Guy Boucher - My Heart Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/guy-boucher-my-heart-story/) - Six months ago, my wife gave birth to our first child, Benjamin. A moment of pure jubilation, but one which also made me picture how the aftermath of my birth must have been for my parents. When I was born, I was a perfectly healthy-looking child, yet when the doctors did their initial health checks,
- [(Champion) Congenital Heart Audit: Measuring Progress In Outcomes Nationally - Study information](https://sfhearts.org.uk/champion-congenital-heart-audit-measuring-progress-in-outcomes-nationally-study-information/) - Download CHAMPION PDF Additionally, the Facebook group link is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3527935317237482
- [Hearts Together 2025 Conference Videos Now Online](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-2025-conference-videos-now-online/) - If you attended Hearts Together 2025 you will know we had some fantastic talks by a wide range of speakers from doctors and physiotherapists to patients and our youth worker. We were lucky enough to have 2 volunteers, Paul and Andrea, who recorded all the talks for us, and these videos are now available online
- [Prescription Charge Coalition](https://sfhearts.org.uk/prescription-charge-coalition/) - We need your stories! If you live with a lifelong condition like Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), you might be paying high prescription charges just to get the medication you need. Some lifelong conditions are eligible for free prescriptions — but CHD isn’t one of them. To fight for change, we need real voices. If this
- [Surekha Garg - My Heart Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/surekha-garg-my-heart-story/) - I was born in the mid-1960s, quite a while ago now, in my Nanni’s (Grandmother’s) house in India. I was diagnosed with a heart condition at around one and a half years old at Sheffield Children’s hospital. I have a VSD (Ventricular Septic Defect), also sometimes known as a ‘hole in the heart’. By the
- [New leaflets available](https://sfhearts.org.uk/new-leaflets-available/) - We are pleased to announce we have 2 new additions to our suite of information leaflets. These are "Exercise and ACHD" and "Menopause and ACHD". We are very grateful to all the patients and healthcare professionals who have helped us to write and proofread these leaflets - a lot of work has gone into researching
- [Liza's Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/lizas-story/) - Name: Liza Morton Age: 41 Age Diagnosed: At birth Condition: Congenital heart block and a surgically fixed atrial septal defect (ASD) Growing up, I tried to focus on the positives but we are our stories and mine emerged from difficulty. My heart condition is hidden so most of the very bad stuff happened when no
- [Ella ZipperGal - 6 Years On](https://sfhearts.org.uk/zippergal-6years/) - Ella, also known as @Zippergal on instagram, shares her account of the last 6 years of her life as a young person born with a heart condition. (CHD). 6 years ago today - 24/4/15 - my life changed forever. "That evening I went into SVT for the first time, home alone sitting on the sofa.
- [Clare Williams -My TGA Hope Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/clare-williams-heart-story/) - My name is Clare and I am 44, this is my TGA hope story. I decided to write my heart story to give hope to the world, especially if you are a first-time mum or dad and your baby has or will be born with heart problems. I hope my story will settle your worries
- [Fundraising FAQ's](https://sfhearts.org.uk/fundraising-faqs/) - Fundraising FAQs Thank you so much for choosing to raise funds and awareness of Somerville Heart Foundation. Read on for some information about the charity to help you spread the word and please get in touch if you have any questions. What does Somerville Heart Foundation do? We support people who were born with a
- [You Only Live Twice - Thriving on the heart transplant pathway](https://sfhearts.org.uk/you-only-live-twice/) - Empower - Share - Demystify Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, Richard has been involved with Somerville Heart Foundation for many years, as a Trustee and then as our Mental Health and Wellbeing Counsellor. In December 2023 he was lucky enough to receive a heart transplant and is recovering slowly but well. During his lengthy hospital wait Richard realised there
- [Merger of Somerville Heart Foundation with Youth at Heart](https://sfhearts.org.uk/merger-joint-statement/) - JOINT PRESS RELEASE 16TH OCTOBER 2024 Merger of Somerville Heart Foundation with Youth at Heart Somerville Heart Foundation (SHF) and Youth at Heart (YatH) are delighted to announce their intention to merge their services from 1st November 2024. This expansion of SHF services to support the younger community as they move into adulthood is a
- [Merger with Youth at Heart](https://sfhearts.org.uk/merger-shf-statement/) - Somerville Heart Foundation PRESS RELEASE 16TH OCTOBER 2024 Merger of Somerville Heart Foundation with Youth at Heart Somerville Heart Foundation (SHF) are delighted to announce that we are merging with Youth at Heart (YatH), effective from 1st November 2024. Formed in 2013 by Lucinda Field following the loss of her daughter to CHD, YatH supports
- [New psychological support service in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University](https://sfhearts.org.uk/new-psychological-support-service-in-collaboration-with-glasgow-caledonian-university/) - Due to increased demand on our patient counselling service, Somerville Heart Foundation will soon be launching a new psychological support service in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University. Through this initiative, we will be offering members the opportunity to attend online counselling sessions, free of charge. Sessions will be run by university post-doctoral clinical psychology students
- [Run Royal Parks Half 2024](https://sfhearts.org.uk/run-royal-parks-half-2024/) - Royal Parks Run Jemima said “I am beyond grateful for every single donation I received, for the generosity and kindness you have shown for an extraordinary charity.
- [UK Weather Warnings - Extreme Heat Alert](https://sfhearts.org.uk/uk-weather-warnings-extreme-heat-alert/)
- [Men's Health Week 2024 - Chris Slegg](https://sfhearts.org.uk/mens-health-week-2024-chris-slegg/) - 10th - 16th June 2024 is Men's Health Week. Click here to read about Chris Slegg's experience of facing heart surgery and how he benefitted from psychological support.
- [Men's Health Awareness Week 2024](https://sfhearts.org.uk/mens-health-awareness-week-2024/) - 10th-16th June is Men's Health Awareness Week 2024 💓 Mike Owen has written a blog about the much-misunderstood subject of Mindfulness and how Mindfulness techniques help him. Click here to read it and feel inspired about Mindfulness
- [Mike Owen's Tips for better Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/mike-owens-tips-for-better-mental-health/) - Mike Owen; who has two Congenital Heart Defects and is an ACHD advocate; shares some of his mental health tips for #MensMentalHealth Awareness week. Mike confronted the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness in his own way. Even The Strong Need A Hand To Get Along We hide negativity for several reasons We don’t want
- [2021 Christmas Survival Guide](https://sfhearts.org.uk/2021-christmas-survival-guide/) - How this year has flown. 😲 It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready for the festive season, and here it is again. 🎄 We know that this time can be overwhelming, we hope these tips will help you through. ❤️ Get Active Whether it’s having a daily walk, run or bike ride, take
- [TAKE THE SURVEY: Cardiology 2022 Curriculum Survey](https://sfhearts.org.uk/take-the-survey-cardiology-2022-curriculum-survey/) - Your vote is URGENTLY needed! ACHD CARDIOLOGY IS AT RISK! Your say can shape the future of ACHD services, or they will VANISH! We need as many people, not just ACHD patients to take part in this survey! The deadline to participate is the 20th of June 2021. Background The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians
- [Campaigning in Scotland](https://sfhearts.org.uk/campaigning-in-scotland-2/)
- [Soul Night - 16th Feb 2024 Ipswich](https://sfhearts.org.uk/soul-night/) - What a fantastic evening the Soul Night was, raising over £850 pounds!
- [15 Peaks and Cuillin Ridge - James takes on the challenges for SHF](https://sfhearts.org.uk/jamescobb-mountaineering/) - It is with great sadness that on behalf of his family we share with you the recent passing of James Cobb. We invite you to add your memories of James to our Wall of Reflection. Somerville Heart Foundation Member James Cobb is undertaking two unique mountaineering challenges for both the adventure and the opportunity to
- [Survey Responses - Cardiology 2022 Curriculum Survey](https://sfhearts.org.uk/survey-responses-cardiology-curriculum-survey/) - We have provided responses below explaining further detail regarding the completion of the Cardiology 2022 Curriculum Survey by the 20th of June 2021. We hope this will give information as to what the differences will be to ACHD services should the proposal be accepted. The document mentions congenital heart disease as a speciality continuing. Where
- [Robert's 26 Flights for 26 days](https://sfhearts.org.uk/26for26/) - Robert Kemp, Chicane Connect MD has decided to embark on 26 flights for 26 days in order to raise funds for The Somerville Foundation. Chicane Connect has proudly supported The Somerville Foundation for many years. Robert Kemp, MD of Chicane Connect said: “We are delighted to be supporting The Somerville Foundation, at Chicane we
- [Need Help Logging In?](https://sfhearts.org.uk/need-help-logging-in/) - Scroll down for suggestions!If you are experiencing problems logging into the Members Area, please try one of the following steps listed below to clear your browser cache and cookies, depending on the…
- [Travel Insurance](https://sfhearts.org.uk/travel-insurance/) - Having a congenital heart condition doesn’t mean you can’t travel, it will just require a bit of planning. We have partnered with Insurancewith, a specialist travel insurance provider.
- [Run or Ride? Register today!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/run-or-ride/) - Are you a keen bike rider or runner? Then we have three great events to get involved with this year! These are all prestigious and highly sought-after events and participating with a charity place gives you a GUARANTEED place and helps us raise funds and awareness at the same time! Here's a quick overview: Ride
- [January To Do List](https://sfhearts.org.uk/to-do/) - A new year brings new beginnings - that means new lists! Here is our short list of important links for your January HEART to do list: Sign up for February Footsteps Book early bird tickets for Hearts Together by 1 February 2023 Share your heart story - email info@sfhearts.org.uk Visit our cost of living page
- [David Makinson on Men's Mental Health and ACHD](https://sfhearts.org.uk/david-on-mens-mental-health-and-achd/) - Living with a life-long congenital heart condition places significant physical challenges on an individual. Less obvious are the psychological or mental challenges that go with it - the hidden cost of a lifetime of surgeries, tests, hospital appointments and check-ups. The analogy I like to use is the legend of Damocles, in which Damocles swaps
- [Transforming Collaborative Research Report](https://sfhearts.org.uk/chd-psp-survey2/)
- [Join the chat...](https://sfhearts.org.uk/young-peoples-focus-groups/) - ARE YOU TRANSFERRING TO ADULT SERVICES? HAVE YOU ALREADY TRANSFERRED? How can we help? We are working closely with the CHD networks and specialist hospitals. We want to know what we can do to help with the process of transferring to adult services (also known as 'transition'). We'd love to hear from you - chat
- [Can you help with a research study into Remote Monitoring in ACHD?](https://sfhearts.org.uk/24106-2/) - Do you already use a watch to monitor your heart? Be part of this research by completing a questionnaire to demonstrate how you feel about using it. If you don't already use one, the researcher is looking for people to test a new watch that can monitor heart rhythm. They are particularly interested in people who
- [Dealing with low mood and depression](https://sfhearts.org.uk/depression/) - Low mood and life’s ups and downs It’s natural to feel sad, low or despondent in response to setbacks, upsetting life events and difficulties. Someone with a congenital heart condition might, at times, face additional challenges that can affect their mood, such as: changes in symptoms experienced, feeling different from others, deterioration in health, possible
- [Hearts Together Speakers - Debbie McParlin and Lorna Carruthers](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-speaker-debbie-mcparlin/) - Debbie and Lorna will be speaking at our Hearts Together 2023 event in Newcastle on 13th May. Debbie is a Fontan Nurse specialist, in post since 2019 - the first UK post of its type. She is dual trained in Adults and Paediatrics and spent the first 20 years of her career in Paediatric ITU’s,
- [Wellbeing Services - We value your feedback](https://sfhearts.org.uk/wellbeing-services-feedback/) - As part of ongoing assessment and improvement of our services and to meet demand, we recently added a second, female Counsellor to our Wellbeing Support service. Both of our counsellors have congenital heart disease which helps to better understand the difficulties faced. If you have accessed our Mental Health and Wellbeing services we would be grateful
- [Hearts Together 2023 Speaker Liza Morton](https://sfhearts.org.uk/liza-morton/) - Liza will be speaking at our Hearts Together 2023 event in Newcastle Liza Morton, PhD, Clinical Psychology, is a Chartered and Registered Counselling Psychologist and a Lecturer in Applied Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University. As a health advocate for over ten years, Liza voluntarily sits on the management board of Somerville Heart Foundation, successfully campaigning
- [Hearts Together 2023 Speaker - Katrijn Jansen](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-speaker-katrijn-jansen/) - Katrijn will be speaking at our Hearts Together 2023 event in Newcastle Katrijn Jansen is an adult congenital cardiologist and associate clinical lecturer at the Freeman Hospital and Newcastle upon Tyne university. She trained in cardiology in the Saint-Luc University Hospitals in Brussels and University Hospitals Leuven (Belgium). She undertook a research echo fellowship at
- [30 reasons to join us in our 30th year!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/30-reasons-to-join-us-in-our-30th-year/) - It's FREE to sign up as a Friend - see our 30 reasons to join us as and access our resources It's 2 years since we launched our Membership scheme - in that time we have been pleased to welcome so many CHD patients, families and Healthcare Professionals into our community. See this and more
- [Hearts Together 2022 Summary](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-2022-summary/) - Our 2022 Hearts Together event was a great success, thank you to all who participated. Click here to read our Hearts Together 2022 Summary Our 2022 Speakers Lynda Tellett, Cardiac Nurse Specialist, Southampton – planning Life – hopes, dreams and realities Tom Pierce, retired cardiac anaesthetist – From teddy bears to whiskey – what I wish I’d
- [Hearts Together 2023 Speaker - Elaine Muirhead](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-2023-speaker-elaine-muirhead/) - Elaine is an Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS). She joined the SACCS team in 2013 and continues to support and develop adult congenital heart services for patients living in Scotland. Elaine has a keen interest in congenital cardiac intervention and also supporting patients to live a healthy and
- [Hearts Together Speaker - Dr Louise Coats](https://sfhearts.org.uk/louise-coats/) - Louise will be speaking at our Hearts Together 2023 event in Newcastle. Dr Louise Coats is an adult congenital cardiologist at the Freeman hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne and a researcher at Newcastle University. She is interested in how we can evolve healthcare services to improve experience and outcomes for patients. She also has research expertise
- [Welcoming Neil Hunting - Our Official 2021 London Marathon Runner!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/neilslondonmarathon2021/) - We are simply over the moon to officially announce Neil Hunting as our London Marathon runner for 2021! Neil has started his training for the Marathon which is on 3rd of October and will be sharing his progress with us. Neil has previously run the marathon in 2017 and completed it in an incredible 4
- [Neil's Journey | London Marathon 2021](https://sfhearts.org.uk/neils-journey-2021/) - In 3 weeks' time, Neil will be running the Virgin Money Giving London Marathon on 3rd October. The 26.2-mile trek around London is no walk in the park (pardon the pun), but when you have 20 years of running experience behind you, everything is in your favour! Neil's training is going well and he has already
- [Wishing our VMG London Marathon runners all the best!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/londonmarathon-2021/) - The Virgin Money Giving London Marathon takes place this Sunday 3rd October in London. We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in one of the world’s most coveted races, raising awareness for young people and adults born with heart conditions. Neil Hunting will be participating in the physical event with the
- [Hearts Together Speaker - James Cobb](https://sfhearts.org.uk/james-cobb/) - James will be speaking at our Hearts Together 2023 event in Newcastle. James was born with complex CHD and has faced physical and psychological challenges in relation to this which have held him back and prevented him truly finding himself for much of his life. He will share his story of finding ‘me’ through ‘changing
- [Tom Pierce](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tom-pierce/) - Dr Tom Pierce went to the newly created Medical School in 1976, and saw first-hand cardiac surgery as a house Officer at Southampton’s Western Hospital in 1982. After his medical SHO training in Derby he moved to anaesthesia and intensive care in Nottingham and then Southampton. After completing his post-graduate exams, he spent a year
- [Louisa Nielsen](https://sfhearts.org.uk/louisa-nielsen/) - Louisa Nielsen (BSc, HCPC, CSP) is a Principal Cardiothoracic and Adult Congenital Heart Physiotherapist (ACHP) at University Hospital Southampton. She has a keen interest in pre and post operative optimisation, critical care, promotion of healthy active lifestyles and developing services through evidence-based practice. With extensive experience in contributing to both national and international conferences, she
- [Just Deinum](https://sfhearts.org.uk/just-deinum/) - Just Deinum was born with a Tetralogy of Fallot in combination with a VSD. He is a board member advocacy of the Patient Association Congenital Heart Disorders (PAH) in the Netherlands. PAH supports children and adults with a congenital heart defect along with their parents, partners, family members and other caregivers. Their goal is to
- [Lynda Tellett](https://sfhearts.org.uk/lynda-tellett/) - I have worked in Southampton hospitals since I started nurse training in 1978! After qualifying I worked on medical, cardiac and thoracic wards as a staff nurse. In 1983 I joined the Cardiac Intensive Care team caring for patients and babies who had heart surgery. The majority of my nursing career has been in Critical
- [Leigh Nisbet](https://sfhearts.org.uk/leigh-nisbet/) - The Medical Secretary’s Tale Leigh Nisbet is a Trustee of Somerville Heart Foundation. She is a Criminal Defence Solicitor and Advocate at a long-established East London legal aid firm. She represents some of the most vulnerable in society accused or charged with criminal offences at police stations, Magistrates Courts and in the Crown Court. She
- [Tree of Hearts 2022](https://sfhearts.org.uk/trees22/) - The popular St Mary le Tower Christmas tree festival will be taking place from 1 - 7 December 2022 at St Mary Le Tower Church and Somerville Heart Foundation are thrilled to be participating in Ipswich's biggest Christmas tree festival this year! The Somerville Heart Foundation tree will raise awareness of CHD (Congenital Heart Disease)
- [Hearts Together - Living Well 2023](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-living-well-2023/) - Date and time: Sat, 13 May 2023, 09:15 BST Location: Innside by Melia River View Close Bridge Court Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BE Join us! We hope to see you at 'Hearts Together-Living Well 2023' - our next ACHD patient event in Newcastle-upon-Tyne! Our focus for this meet up is on wellbeing, social interaction and peer
- [Scarred for life](https://sfhearts.org.uk/scarred-for-life/) - Scarred FOR Life is a special photo exhibition sharing the problems and heartache that accompany living with a heart condition, both mental and physical. The first Scarred FOR Life exhibition was held in 2015 at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Europe’s top collectors and exhibitors of art, sharing the lives of nine
- [Reading Hockey Club ACHD awareness and fundraising](https://sfhearts.org.uk/reading-hockey-club/) - Adam contacted us recently about an advertising opportunity at the hockey club where he plays. Born in Hong Kong with Transposition of the Great Arteries, Adam was taken away from his parents immediately. Adam told us: “On day 1 I had minor surgery to put a hole in my heart, followed by an arterial switch
- [We have new Christmas Cards!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/we-have-new-christmas-cards/) - We have two new fantastic Christmas cards to add to our collection this year, Hearty Cheer and Festive Dolls. Firm favourites from last year included the Winter Deer and Trio of Trees. Our SHF branded pen, jewellery and accessories make fabulous stocking fillers! All profits from each sale will go towards providing practical and emotional
- [Caroline Wright on Menopause](https://sfhearts.org.uk/menopause-day22/) - Let’s talk about Menopause this World Menopause Day By Caroline Wright, Mental Health & Wellbeing Counsellor for Somerville Heart Foundation and Humanistic MBACP Counsellor Going through the menopause can be one of the most challenging chapter’s a woman can face. Whether we are talking about the early stages of menopause (perimenopause), the ‘full monty’, or
- [Meet our 2022 RPH Runners](https://sfhearts.org.uk/rph-22/) - We are so thrilled to have five incredible runners participating in this years Royal Parks Half that are raising awareness as well as much needed funds on behalf of Somerville Heart Foundation! The Royal Parks Half takes place on Sunday 9 October 2022. This stunning central London Half Marathon, takes in some of the capital's world-famous
- [DVLA: Updated H1 Form for CHD](https://sfhearts.org.uk/dvla-updated-h1-form-for-chd/) - The GOV.UK website states that if you have a medical condition that could affect your driving you are required to tell DVLA. The form required to notify the DVLA of a medical condition has been updated. The list of conditions are listed on the GOV.UK website. The H1 form is required to report congenital heart
- [Trustees Announcement - The passing of Michael Cumper](https://sfhearts.org.uk/announcement-michael-cumper/) - Dear ACHD Community, It is with great sadness that the Board of Trustees announce that our President Michael Cumper who served the charity for many years passed away earlier this week. Michael was dedicated to the cause of Somerville Heart Foundation, working on numerous committees ensuring the NHS continued to improve the services provided to
- [HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN 1926 - 2022](https://sfhearts.org.uk/her-majesty/) - Somerville Heart Foundation are deeply saddened by the loss of Her Majesty The Queen. Her devotion to service and commitment to charitable causes has been an inspiration to many. We send our sincere condolences to The Royal Family at this extremely difficult time.
- [Emily's Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/emilys-story/) - Name: Emily Sterling Age: 24 Age when diagnosed: 6 weeks old Condition: Bicuspid aortic valve, mixed aortic valve disease (aortic stenosis and regurgitation) In February 2015 (just after my 20th birthday) I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and ascending aorta which had become ballooned over time. I am young and active
- [Olympic Medallist and World Champion Roger Black Speaks from the Heart](https://sfhearts.org.uk/olympic-medallist-and-world-champion-roger-black-speaks-from-the-heart/) - There has been much excitement at The Somerville Foundation office recently since world champion and Olympic silver medallist Roger Black agreed to be the host of our Radio 4 Appeal. Izzy Oag, the subject of our appeal case study, Lowri Smith (photographer) and Development Director Nicola Graves had the privilege of heading into the studio
- [Izzy's Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/izzys-story/) - Read an extract from Izzy's original post... I started to walk faster, legs shaking, and sheer panic overtook my entire body. As fast as my shaking legs could take me, I stumbled down the escalator of Oxford Circus station, attempting to get home. I carried the ‘panic attack’ label the doctor had kindly prescribed me
- [Susan's Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/susans-story/) - Name: Susan Manley nee Millard Age: 66 Age when diagnosed: Before 1 year old Condition: Three holes in the heart and faulty Tricuspid valve How has having a heart condition impacted on your mental health? We were the experimental generation and there was no information about survival (I was not expected to reach my 2nd
- [David's Story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/davids-story/) - Name: David Makinson Age: 54, born May 1964 Age Diagnosed: Soon after birth at The Middlesex Hospital, London – the child of a single mother who wished to put me up for adoption. How has CHD affected your mental health? In a nutshell, having a life-long heart condition places the mind on a ‘flight or
- [Are our emails going to spam?](https://sfhearts.org.uk/email-spam/) - Think we have been quiet? Our emails could be going to spam. Due to a number of changes with many email service providers, spam filter settings have been amended to curb the amount of spam emails you receive. You may have received emails from us before and now suddenly you don’t. Here’s what you can
- [A tribute to Marc de Leval](https://sfhearts.org.uk/a-tribute-to-marc-de-leval/) - We are saddened to hear of the loss of Professor Marc de Leval and would like to pay tribute to his great achievements in the field of congenital cardiac care. Professor de Leval passed away on 26th June 2022. Cardiothoracic Surgeon Professor de Leval made an invaluable contribution to the congenital medical world. He performed
- [Scarred for Life - Scotland](https://sfhearts.org.uk/scarred-for-life-scotland/) - A Celebration of Life Scarred FOR Life is an exciting new project - a special photo exhibition of adults born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) baring their scars in celebration of life. The project was run in Scotland by three CHD volunteers on behalf of The Somerville Foundation – Liza Morton, our Campaign Manager in
- [£2400 raised at Art Exhibition](https://sfhearts.org.uk/2400-raised-at-art-exhibition/) - David Makinson's art exhibition held on 23rd July raised an incredible £2400! We are extremely grateful to all those involved as well as everyone who attended. The event was a huge success, thank you! Read the news article here.
- [Q&A Summary of Questions](https://sfhearts.org.uk/qa-summary-of-questions/) - Summary of Question & Answer session - Southampton 2022 Conference The panel comprised one Somerville Heart Foundation (SHF) Trustee, Conference speakers and staff from Southampton and Oxford Hospitals. Questions were posed anonymously to the panel which comprised: Rob Nicoll (Vice President, Somerville Heart Foundation) Lynda Tellett (Clinical Lead Nurse, Southampton) Tom Pierce (Retried cardiac anaesthetist)
- [Deterioration in Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/deterioration-in-health/)
- [So What is Mindfulness?](https://sfhearts.org.uk/so-what-is-mindfulness/) - Mindfulness is a mind-body approach that has become popular to help people manage anxiety, stress, recurrent depression, pain and long term medical conditions. Mindfulness has its origins in Buddhist and Eastern Traditions drawing on meditation techniques. Mindfulness can be used as a spiritual practice but in the mental and physical health context it is non-religious.
- [World Wellbeing Week 2022](https://sfhearts.org.uk/world-wellbeing-week-2022/) - World Wellbeing week is on from 27 June - 1 July 2022 Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. 5 steps to mental wellbeing: connect with people Be
- [In Conversation with Professor Jane Somerville](https://sfhearts.org.uk/in-conversation-with-professor-jane-somerville/)
- [Are you interested in a Focus Group?](https://sfhearts.org.uk/online-focus-group/) - Ambulatory Care Delivery in Adult Congenital Heart Disease (CARE-ACHD) - Developing methodology for a pragmatic RCT of Adaptive Patient-Centred Care versus Usual Care We would like to invite you to take part in an online focus group. We are interested in finding out what aspects of your health and general life cause anxiety and stress
- [Derek Baas on Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/derek-baas-on-mental-health/) - As we are often told, congenital heart disease is a lifelong condition that requires long-term specialised care. This is often taken to mean care of our anatomical issues and physical symptoms. I have found that acknowledgment of attention to the mental side of CHD to be equally significant. As my heart disease evolves over time,
- [Hope 24 Challenge 2 July 2022](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hope-24-challenge-2-july/) - Let us introduce you to Richard Pedrick who is taking on the challenge of Hope 24 on 2nd July to raise funds and awareness of Somerville Heart Foundation. Hope 24 is no easy course as it is quite hilly trail course. It’s really going to be a big challenge to run a total of 100
- [London Marathon 2021](https://sfhearts.org.uk/london-marathon-2021/) - Psst. Looking for a place in the #LondonMarathon - 3 October 21? Take part in the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon and Support The Somerville Foundation! The world-famous 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon is taking place on Sunday 3 October, with a record 50,000 participants running on the streets of the capital. The 26.2-mile route
- [COVID 19 ACHD Webinar Q & A Panel Responses](https://sfhearts.org.uk/covidwebqa/) - On the 8th of April 2020 Professor Michael Gatzoulis facilitated a webinar on Covid-19 and ACHD with colleagues from the Lombardy region of Italy. Below are the answers to the questions that were posed to the panel. Question: What is my risk if I get infected? Answer: Low. Question: What shall I do if have
- [SURVEY: Help The Somerville Foundation improve!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/survey-help-us-improve/) - This is an important opportunity for our community (you!) to tell us what you think. The results of this survey will assist with the charity's future plans, it is also an opportunity for you to be more involved, with additional volunteer roles being part of our vision. This survey is going out to all our
- [Riding with Heart](https://sfhearts.org.uk/riding-with-heart/) - Somerville Heart Foundation is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting young people and adults born with all forms of heart conditions, known as Congenital Heart Disease (or CHD). Let us introduce you to Zeph Forest of AFC Legal who is taking on a cycling challenge to support our work... I have formed a great
- [Survey: Congenital Heart Disease Priority Setting Partnership](https://sfhearts.org.uk/survey-congenital-heart-disease-priority-setting-partnership/) - Have YOUR say on the future of Congenital Heart Disease research! A national study has been launched to identify and prioritise the areas of future research in congenital heart disease that are most important to patients, their families, and healthcare professionals. The Somerville Foundation are supporting this project to help ensure that patients' voices are
- [Joint Open Day with Little Hearts Matter](https://sfhearts.org.uk/lhmopenday22/) - We are excited to be holding a joint conference with Little Hearts Matter When: Saturday 12th March 2022 – 10:00 to 4:30 PM Where: Yarnfield Park, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0NL The open day is a free event and will include talks from Consultant Cardiologists, Dr David Crossland and Dr Lorna Swan. Here are some of
- [Relaxation tracks and more for you to try out](https://sfhearts.org.uk/visualisation-relaxation-tracks/)
- [Introducing Richard Bird](https://sfhearts.org.uk/introducing-richard-bird/) - Hi everyone, I consider it a great privilege to have been recruited as the new Wellbeing Coordinator for the Somerville Foundation. I’m aware that I have big shoes to fill, since my predecessor, Anne Crump, did such a marvellous job over the past 13 years in the role, for which I think we should be extremely
- [We're making some changes](https://sfhearts.org.uk/shflaunch/)
- [Ways into relaxation](https://sfhearts.org.uk/ways-into-relaxation/) - Anxiety is part of life and a feeling we all experience. A little anxiety can help us perform well at tasks and can bring about a heightened alertness that can be useful in situations where we might need to take care of ourselves. Too much anxiety can, at other times overwhelm us and interfere with
- [Warfrin](https://sfhearts.org.uk/warfrin/) - Warfarin You may know people who are taking warfarin, but do you know why they take it and what it does for them? Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug. This means that it increases the time it takes for the blood to clot. If your body makes a clot it can cause serious problems. Warfarin comes
- [Finance Webinar 8 September | Meet the Speaker - Henry Gaskin](https://sfhearts.org.uk/henryonfinance/) - Join The Somerville Foundation finance webinar on Wednesday 8th September. Our finance specialists will discuss a variety of financial topics from mortgages to pensions and investments & more! Retiring early? buying your first home? Do you need help with finance? Our specialists can answer your questions. Read more about Henry Gaskin, Chief Investment Officer /
- [Finance Webinar 8 September '21](https://sfhearts.org.uk/finance-webinar-8-september-21/) - FINANCE WEBINAR: Join us 8 September ’21 at 6 PM for an introduction to financial planning! Our finance specialists will discuss a variety of financial topics from Mortgages to pensions and investments & more! Sign into the Members Area to register for this talk. Not yet a member? Sign up here: https://thesf.org.uk/membership-options/ #Morgages # IncomeProtection
- [Making the most of your Doctor's Appointments](https://sfhearts.org.uk/making-the-most-of-your-doctors-appointments/) - Making the most of your Doctor's Appointments I imagine that most of us have had Doctor’s Appointments that have gone well, where we have felt satisfied but also other times when this really hasn’t been the case. Many people find going to see the Doctor difficult; even very confident people can find themselves behaving differently
- [Subsidised MedicAlert Membership](https://sfhearts.org.uk/subsmedicalert/) - When you become a Supporter or Patron member of The Somerville Foundation, you will receive a £10 subsidised discount off annual MedicAlert Membership. MedicAlert is the only UK charity providing life-saving medical ID services. During an emergency every second counts. Your MedicAlert ID, worn on your pulse points, is engraved with your most important information
- [Important Alert for those with Mechanical Heart Valves](https://sfhearts.org.uk/mechanical-heart-valves-alert/) - The NHS has put out a “Safety Alert” in respect of the anti-coagulation medication for this type of valve in light of some patients having been moved from Warfarin. If you have a mechanical valve and are not currently taking warfarin as your anti-coagulation medication then please make contact with your specialist centre immediately as
- [Warfarin](https://sfhearts.org.uk/warfarin/) - Warfarin You may know people who are taking warfarin, but do you know why they take it and what it does for them? Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug. This means that it increases the time it takes for the blood to clot. If your body makes a clot it can cause serious problems. Warfarin comes
- [Travelling as a GUCH Patient](https://sfhearts.org.uk/travelling-as-a-guch-patient/) - Travelling as a GUCH Patient GUCH patient and The Somerville Foundation volunteer Sophie has travelled extensively and is passionate about seeing the world. She has developed a positive, practical approach to planning holidays and here, with the help of some of our members who kindly share their experiences, she explores some of the issues, and
- [Waking up in Intensive Care](https://sfhearts.org.uk/waking-up-in-intensive-care/) - Waking up in Intensive Care When you first come out of surgery we give you medication to keep you asleep. This is so we can make sure everything is stable before waking you up. It is a very safe place to be. You have your own nurse who looks after you and only you. Before
- [World Wellbeing Week 2021](https://sfhearts.org.uk/world-wellbeing-week-2021/)
- [RUN 2021](https://sfhearts.org.uk/run2021/) - RUN – London Marathon – 3 October 2021 Takes place 3 October 2021 in London – Run one of the worlds most coveted races and raise money for young people and adults born with a heart condition. £120 Reg fee, £2500 minimum to raise. This is your opportunity to take part in one of the greatest
- [World Heart Rhythm Week](https://sfhearts.org.uk/world-heart-rhythm-week/) - This week is #WorldHeartRhythmWeek ! 💙❤️ Know your Pulse To Know Your Heart Rhythm. It could save your life! Raise awareness and share this post 🙌🏼 #ListenToYourHeart
- [Design a Card for our Shop](https://sfhearts.org.uk/christmascards2021/) - Get creative and use your artistic flair for a good cause! If you would like to submit a design but are not yet a member, sign-up here.
- [Save your Charity - join in the 2.6 Challenge!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/save-your-charity-join-in-the-2-6-challenge/) - We Need You! From 26th April the 2.6 challenge is inviting you to set your own personal two-six fundraising challenge. This could be running 26 laps of your garden, painting 26 pictures, creating a made-to-measure couture outfit from 26 pairs of socks, hopping for 2.6 minutes (and repeating 26 times), singing for 26 minutes on
- [Join Us](https://sfhearts.org.uk/join-us/) - Friend Supporter Patron Completely Free! Be part of the CHD community for; > advocacy and peer support > access to wellbeing counselling > Coaguchek machine facilitation > employment law specialist > life and travel insurance and brokers > financial support and much more! £60 a year for less than the price of a weekly
- [ACHD and pregnancy](https://sfhearts.org.uk/achd-and-pregnancy/) - ACHD and pregnancy webinar coming up from the Royal Brompton Hospital on 1st February at 2pm
- [Thank You to our doctors & nurses](https://sfhearts.org.uk/thank-you-to-our-doctors-nurses/) - We sent a copy of this NHS - Thank You to all the ACHD Teams earlier this month in recognition of a very difficult 2020 and with hope for a brighter 2021: Image courtesy of David Makinson - our very own 'Banksy'!
- [LONDON Nightrider 2019](https://sfhearts.org.uk/london-nightrider-2019/) - Last chance to join our team NIGHTRIDER™ LONDON 2019 Date: 8 / 9 June 2019 Distance: 50km or 100km Nightrider is celebrating its 10th anniversary in London 2019, and you can be a part of this special cycle challenge! Taking place throughout the night, Nightrider is a charity ride which is all about having fun,
- [Lucy Hill - "Making the most of myself."](https://sfhearts.org.uk/lucy-hill-making-the-most-of-myself/) - I was born with Tetralogy of Fallot. It meant that amongst other problems with my heart I had two holes in it, a missing pulmonary valve and narrowing of the pulmonary artery. When I was born I was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital and had my first surgery to fix the holes in my heart
- [The Somerville COVID Hardship Fund](https://sfhearts.org.uk/the-somerville-covid-hardship-fund/) - This fund has been set up in response to the current Covid-19 pandemic whether regarding work, lack of income related to Covid-19, ill-health due to the virus etc and, as such, is limited to being able to help CHD patients affected by the pandemic. We do our best to assess each application on individual merits
- [We are Here to Help](https://sfhearts.org.uk/support-during-covid19/) - We know that the vital support we offer is needed now more than ever, and we hope that with your help we can remain sustainable and available to help more adults with ACHD now and in the years to come. Together, we can beat this! Although our team is currently reduced, we are pulling out
- [Havercroft Have Heart](https://sfhearts.org.uk/havercroft-have-heart/) - Havercroft Construction Ltd raised a fantastic £3,825.00 for The Somerville Foundation during the time they were in Ipswich. We spoke to Jon Patrick, Site Manager, about the Ipswich project and what’s next for Havercroft Construction… Tell us a bit about your current project, obstacles you have had to deal with and how you have overcome
- [Mental Health Awareness Week 18 - 24 May 2020](https://sfhearts.org.uk/kindness2020/) - This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. This week think of an act of kindness you can reflect on or carry out. Share your thoughts and pictures with us. They don’t have to be big things, it can be as simple as sharing an inspirational quote or picture. Get in touch with friend you havnt
- [Let your voice be heard!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/beheard/) - We Need Your VOICES! We need your VIDEOS! We need Your PICTURES! We need your WORDS! Be part of our new Hearts, Minds and COVID19 Campaign. Tell us in a voice clip or video how being part of The Somerville Foundation Community has helped you. Voice clips and videos need to be around 30 seconds.
- [Live Webinar - Covid 19 and Congenital Heart Disease](https://sfhearts.org.uk/https-youtu-be-4swxejefdbq/) - Date: Wednesday 8th April 2020 @ 2pm BST streamed via Livemedia Professor Michael Gatzoulis will be facilitating a Webinar on Covid-19 and ACHD with colleagues from the Lombardy region of Italy. They are kindly sharing their experience with us and the Somerville Foundation. Interested persons to email their name, surname & address to admin@thesf.org.uk to
- [Video message from our President & Founder, Professor Jane Somerville](https://sfhearts.org.uk/video-message-from-our-president-founder-professor-jane-somerville/) - Donate Now: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/12760 #COVID19 #ACHD #Charity #Fundraising https://youtu.be/hCPmFrhEQvc
- [Help to save your Charity - Join the 2.6 Challenge!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/help-to-save-your-charity-join-the-2-6-challenge/) - Help us to Save the UK’s Charities! The Covid-19 pandemic is having a catastrophic effect on UK charities leading to an estimated loss of £4 billion for the sector. Charities, like the Somerville Foundation depend on income from fundraising events and thousands have been cancelled or postponed. For many charities, 26 April would have been
- [Join the 2.6 Challenge -  It's gonna be Epic!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/join-in-the-2-6-challenge-its-epic/) - Help us to Save the UK’s Charities! The Covid-19 pandemic is having a catastrophic effect on UK charities leading to an estimated loss of £4 billion for the sector. Charities, like the Somerville Foundation depend on income from fundraising events and thousands have been cancelled or postponed. For many charities, 26 April would have been
- [Living through a global pandemic with a chronic health condition: how to protect your mental health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/living-through-a-global-pandemic-with-a-chronic-health-condition-how-to-protect-your-mental-health/) - Author: Dr Liza Morton Like many people living with a serious medical condition my complex cardiac history puts me at greater risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Initially, I struggled to find expert advice during a fast moving situation where nobody had the answers. I decided to stop going out over four weeks ago just
- [The Somerville Foundation - Covid-19 Appeal](https://sfhearts.org.uk/the-somerville-foundation-covid-19-appeal/) - Dear Supporter We trust that you are all taking care in the current climate and please be assured that we are working extremely hard to represent you, our patients, and your families at this difficult time. There has never been an occasion when our presence has been more important, in representing you at the very
- [Lottery Results - Friday 13 December 2019](https://sfhearts.org.uk/lottery-results-friday-13-december-2019/) - Congratulations to our Friday the 13th Lottery Winner, who has won themselves £1000 from Unity Lottery! Lottery Results from www.unitylottery.co.uk. What a wonderful way to ring in Christmas! Play our lottery and raise money to beat congenital heart disease. Terms and Conditions apply.
- [Climbing Everest](https://sfhearts.org.uk/climbing-everest/) - At an altitude of 6m in our local Cambridgeshire pub, my good friend of many years, Tony, was going through the early stages of divorce and was questioning life, the universe and everything. We were joined by another friend and somehow over the course of the evening we all hatched a plan to walk to

## Pages

- [Home](https://sfhearts.org.uk/) - Somerville Heart Foundation Is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting young people and adults born with all forms of heart conditions, known as Congenital Heart Disease (or CHD).
- [Physical Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/physical-health/)
- [Emotional & Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/help-advice/emotional-mental-health/)
- [Support & Services](https://sfhearts.org.uk/support-services/) - By becoming a Friend, Supporter or Patron of Somerville Heart Foundation, you can access services, support and resources. It's free to join
- [Sign Up](https://sfhearts.org.uk/sign-up/)
- [Members Area](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/) - You’re in the members area, the right place for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) support and resources we’ve got lots of information to help you.
- [Help and resources](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/help-advice/)
- [Free Counselling for CHD Patients](https://sfhearts.org.uk/support-services/free-counselling-for-chd-patients/)
- [Our Team](https://sfhearts.org.uk/about-us/our-team/)
- [Youth Services](https://sfhearts.org.uk/support-services/youth-services/)
- [Our Community](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/)
- [Events](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/events/) - Information about events, online webinars and discussion groups for people with living with CHD. Find out about regular support sessions as well as one off webinars on topics chosen by our members.
- [Know your heartbeat](https://sfhearts.org.uk/know-your-heart-beat/) - Know your heartbeat Heart Rhythms An abnormal heart rhythm is referred to as an arrhythmia. More than 700,000 people in England alone are affected by an arrhythmia (Department of Health, 2005). An abnormal heart rhythm can cause some people to feel unwell or anxious. Some are more serious than others. Some people may not be
- [Specialist ACHD Hospitals](https://sfhearts.org.uk/about-us/specialist-centres/)
- [Fundraise](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise-2/) - Fundraise, donate, every donation we receive goes directly towards providing essential support to young people and adults born with a heart condition.
- [Healthcare Professionals](https://sfhearts.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/)
- [Webinars and Videos](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/webinars-and-videos/)
- [Work With Us](https://sfhearts.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us/)
- [Leaflets and Information](https://sfhearts.org.uk/leaflets/) - Practical leaflets and resources for young people and adults living with CHD. Find information on surgery, lifestyle, pension, needle phobias and so much more.
- [What is Congenital Heart Disease?](https://sfhearts.org.uk/what-is-congenital-heart-disease/) - What is Congenital Heart Disease? Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the name for a heart condition or defect that occurs during the development before birth. The word ‘congenital’ means existing at birth. In adults, it is known as Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD). Congenital Heart Disease is one of the most common types of congenital
- [Youth Services Employment Support](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/youth-framework/) - Use the links below for some useful advice on employment: Applying for a job or apprenticeship with a heart condition Benefits Careers advice and applying for jobs Writing a CV CV Template How to write a covering letter Retail covering letter example
- [Footer](https://sfhearts.org.uk/footer/)
- [Scarred FOR Life](https://sfhearts.org.uk/about-us/scarred-for-life/)
- [About Us](https://sfhearts.org.uk/about-us/) - Congenital heart defects (CHD) affects an estimated 250,000 people in the UK. We provide the ACHD community with non-medical and psychological support.
- [UPBEAT Magazine](https://sfhearts.org.uk/upbeat-2-2/) - UPBEAT our quarterly newsletter is packed full of useful information patient stories. For young people and adults born with a congenital heart condition.
- [Work and Finance](https://sfhearts.org.uk/work-and-finance/)
- [Gift Aid Declaration Online Form](https://sfhearts.org.uk/gift-aid-declaration-online-form/) - Gift Aid Declaration Thank you for choosing to sign up for Gift Aid online. Somerville Heart Foundation will receive an extra 25p for every £1 you donate at no extra cost to you. Please complete the form below to make your Gift Aid declaration.
- [Hearts Together Event](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-2026/) - This is our annual Hearts Together event for young people and adults born with a heart condition to come together and meet others who have ACHD. a focus on wellbeing, social interaction and peer support.
- [Thank You](https://sfhearts.org.uk/thank-you-2/) - Thank You Your request has been sent for approval, please allow for 1-2 working days for us to process and keep an eye out for further communications via email. If you need to get in touch with us, pop us an email. If you have signed up as a Supporter/Patron, THANK YOU. These paid Memberships
- [February Footsteps 2026](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/events/february-footsteps/) - February Footsteps '24 - join the challenge! The event began in the lockdown of 2021. It has become an annual event and a feel-good fundraiser.
- [Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/mental-health/)
- [BBC Radio 4 Appeal](https://sfhearts.org.uk/bbc-radio-4-appeal/)
- [Inspirational Stories](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community3/inspirational-stories/)
- [Login](https://sfhearts.org.uk/login/) - Log in Welcome! Please log in here – we hope you find everything you need. Not a member? Sign up here for all things CHD – newsletters, leaflets, events & more. Problems logging in? Please reset your password if it doesn't seem to work. If your account appears to have lapsed, there’s no need to
- [Youth Services in South West England and South Wales](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/youth-services-south-west/)
- [Join your heart community online](https://sfhearts.org.uk/joinyourheartcommunityonline/) - Join your heart community online - Somerville ACHD Patient Group 1 Please note to join the Somerville Heart Foundation ACHD patient group 1 on Facebook you must be over 18, have Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and be a member of Somerville Heart Foundation. We would love to get you approved quickly, there are some joining
- [Donate](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/donate/) - Make a one-off donation or give regularly, thank you very much for your support. Your money goes straight into the services we provide to people with CHD
- [FAQs](https://sfhearts.org.uk/general-faqs/)
- [Hearts Together FAQ's](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-2026/faq/) - Hearts Together - Our annual patient event. FAQ's about the attending the event, how to book and things to do.
- [Exercise](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/exercise/)
- [February Footsteps Sign Up](https://sfhearts.org.uk/february-footsteps-sign-up/)
- [Shop](https://sfhearts.org.uk/shop/) - Welcome to our online shop. Help raise much needed funds by purchasing cards, handcrafted gifts, pens and heart badges. Show your support for the CHD community.
- [February Footsteps - Lead the way - host a walk](https://sfhearts.org.uk/february-footsteps-lead-the-way-host-a-walk/) - Walking with others can be more fun - you can inspire each other to walk further, chat whilst you stroll and even enjoy a cuppa together somewhere at the end! We'd love to see lots of local walks taking place during February as part of our February Footsteps walking challenge. If you are interested in
- [February Footsteps 2026 downloads](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/events/february-footsteps/february-footsteps-downloads/)
- [Wellbeing Services feedback](https://sfhearts.org.uk/wellbeing-services-feedback/)
- [Contact us](https://sfhearts.org.uk/contact-us/)
- [Request for Blog or Podcast Self Promotion](https://sfhearts.org.uk/request-for-blog-or-podcast-self-promotion/)
- [Surgery and Scars](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/surgery-and-scars/)
- [What is Transition and Transfer?](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/transition-and-transfer/)
- [My Heart Condition](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/my-heart-condition/)
- [Drugs, Smoking & Alcohol](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/drugs/)
- [Lifestyle](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/lifestyle/)
- [Transition Toolkit](https://sfhearts.org.uk/support-services/youth-services/transition-toolkit/)
- [Menopause](https://sfhearts.org.uk/menopause/)
- [Exercise](https://sfhearts.org.uk/exercise/)
- [Congenital Heart Audit: Measuring Progress In Outcomes Nationally (CHAMPION)](https://sfhearts.org.uk/about-us/our-impact/congenital-heart-audit-measuring-progress-in-outcomes-nationally-champion/)
- [Pregnancy & Contraception](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/pregnancy/) - Pregnancy & Family Planning During your transition journey from child to adult services you may have had conversations about pregnancy, but you may not have taken too much notice as it was so far in the future. If you have come to a point in your life when you want to find out if it
- [Research](https://sfhearts.org.uk/support-services/research/)
- [Employment Lawyer Assessment Form](https://sfhearts.org.uk/employment-lawyer-assesment-form/)
- [Somerville Hardship Fund](https://sfhearts.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/hardship-fund/) - Somerville Hardship Fund As a patient organisation and small charity, we recognise the difficulties faced by our members and that, sometime, a little help goes a long way in times of real need. Recognising this, we set up the Hardship Fund to provide some support. This is only a small fund, but if you know
- [Play Our Lottery](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/play-our-lottery/)
- [Leaflets & Information](https://sfhearts.org.uk/resources/)
- [Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/smoking/)
- [Sexual Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community/sexual-health/)
- [Get Your Company Involved](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-your-company-involved/)
- [Leave A Legacy](https://sfhearts.org.uk/leave-a-legacy/)
- [Volunteer](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/) - Volunteer, at Somerville Heart Foundation, we need passionate, talented people to help us make a real difference, we are always on the lookout for volunteers.
- [Members Area v2](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area-v2/)
- [Our Community](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community3/)
- [Latest Research](https://sfhearts.org.uk/latest-research/)
- [Hearts Together 2025](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together/)
- [Everyday Living](https://sfhearts.org.uk/everyday-living/)
- [News](https://sfhearts.org.uk/news/)
- [Social Wall](https://sfhearts.org.uk/social/)
- [Benefits Calculator](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/benefits-calculator/)
- [East Anglia Meet Up](https://sfhearts.org.uk/east-anglia-meetup/)
- [East Anglia event meet up survey](https://sfhearts.org.uk/east-anglia-event-meet-up-survey/)
- [Cost of Living](https://sfhearts.org.uk/news/cost-of-living/)
- [Menstrual symptoms on warfarin survey](https://sfhearts.org.uk/warfarin-menstrual-survey/)
- [Wall of Reflection](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/reflection/)
- [Cardiac Rehab Survey](https://sfhearts.org.uk/cardiac-rehabsurvey/)
- [Campaign for us](https://sfhearts.org.uk/campaign/)
- [Insurance](https://sfhearts.org.uk/insurance/)
- [FAQs](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/faqs/)
- [Get Involved](https://sfhearts.org.uk/get-involved/)
- [Youth 13-24](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community3/13-24/)
- [The 2.6 Challenge](https://sfhearts.org.uk/the-2-6-challenge/)
- [Carers](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community3/carers/)
- [Newsletter](https://sfhearts.org.uk/newsletter/)
- [Thank You](https://sfhearts.org.uk/thank-you/)
- [Impact of our Research](https://sfhearts.org.uk/support-services/research/impact-of-our-research/)
- [Hearts Together Summary 2022](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-2026/consum22/)
- [Resources](https://sfhearts.org.uk/news/media/)
- [Organise an event](https://sfhearts.org.uk/organise-an-event/)
- [Hearts Together Speaker BIO's](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-2026/speakers/)
- [Cookies Policy ](https://sfhearts.org.uk/cookies-policy/) - Somerville Heart Foundation Cookies Policy Last updated: 02/05/2023 Somerville Heart Foundation ("us", "we", or "our") uses cookies on https://sfhearts.org.uk/ (the "Service"). By using the Service, you consent to the use of cookies. Our Cookies Policy explains what cookies are, how we use cookies, how third-parties we may partner with may use cookies on
- [Accessibility Statement](https://sfhearts.org.uk/accessibility-statement/) - Accessibility Statement for Somerville Heart Foundation This website is run by Somerville Heart Foundation. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to: • navigate most of the website using just a keyboard. • navigate most of the website using speech
- [Privacy Policy](https://sfhearts.org.uk/privacy-policy/) - Who We Are Somerville Heart Foundation (SHF) is a registered charity in England and Wales No. 1138088 and a registered charity in Scotland No. SC049673. Somerville Heart Foundation is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 07285409. Registered office at 7 Friars Courtyard, 30-32 Princes Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1RJ. Access
- [FB Moderators Group](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/fbmoderators/)
- [Transport](https://sfhearts.org.uk/hearts-together-2026/transport/)
- [Michaels 80th Birthday Bash Fundraiser](https://sfhearts.org.uk/michaelsfundraiser/)
- [Membership Options - dont use](https://sfhearts.org.uk/membership-options/)
- [Test page](https://sfhearts.org.uk/test-page/)
- [Bereavement](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/help-advice/emotional-mental-health/bereavement-2/)
- [Terms](https://sfhearts.org.uk/terms/) - Website Terms and Conditions The Website is owned and operated by or on behalf of Somerville Heart Foundation (SHF). Access to and use of this Website is provided by SHF subject to the following terms and conditions and our Privacy Policy. Definitions In these terms and conditions: “Somerville Heart Foundation" or "SHF” means Somerville Heart
- [COVID19](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/help-advice/coronavirus/)
- [50 Plus](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/our-community3/50-plus/)
- [NHS Specialist ACHD Network Hospitals](https://sfhearts.org.uk/nhs-specialist-achd-network-hospitals/)
- [Tests, treatments & procedures](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tests-treatments-procedures/)
- [Conditions](https://sfhearts.org.uk/conditions/)
- [Deterioration in health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/help-advice/emotional-mental-health/deterioration-in-health/)
- [Advanced Stage Care](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/help-advice/emotional-mental-health/advanced-stage-care/)
- [Scans](https://sfhearts.org.uk/scans/)
- [Pacemakers](https://sfhearts.org.uk/pacemakers/) - Pacemakers Living with a pacemaker. What is a pacemaker? A pacemaker is a small electrical device. It sends electrical pulses to your heart to keep it beating regularly and at the right speed. Smaller than the average matchbox, a pacemaker weighs just 20-50g. With wires that attach to your heart, it emits electrical impulses that
- [Survey Covid - reset and recover](https://sfhearts.org.uk/survey-covid-reset-and-recover/)
- [Support Us](https://sfhearts.org.uk/support-us/)
- [Membership](https://sfhearts.org.uk/membership/)
- [RCGP 2021](https://sfhearts.org.uk/rcgp-2021/)
- [Medications](https://sfhearts.org.uk/medications/)
- [Heart Transplant](https://sfhearts.org.uk/heart-transplant/)
- [Patient Focus Groups](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/patient-focus-groups/)
- [Heart Helpline](https://sfhearts.org.uk/heart-helpline/)
- [Tell us](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tell-us/)
- [Ebstein's Anomaly](https://sfhearts.org.uk/ebsteins-anomaly/)
- [Pulmonary Hypertension](https://sfhearts.org.uk/pulmonary-hypertension/)
- [Carers & Families](https://sfhearts.org.uk/members-area/help-advice/carers-families/)
- [Our Partners](https://sfhearts.org.uk/about-us/our-partners/)
- [Corporate Fundraising](https://sfhearts.org.uk/corporate-fundraising/)
- [Become a Sponsor](https://sfhearts.org.uk/become-a-sponsor/)
- [Our Impact](https://sfhearts.org.uk/about-us/our-impact/)
- [Manual Member Sign Up](https://sfhearts.org.uk/manual-member-sign-up/) - https://thesf.org.uk/membership-options/
- [footer elements](https://sfhearts.org.uk/footer-elements/)
- [Account](https://sfhearts.org.uk/account/)
- [In Memoriam](https://sfhearts.org.uk/in-memoriam/)
- [Products](https://sfhearts.org.uk/products/)
- [Donation Confirmation](https://sfhearts.org.uk/donation-confirmation/) - [give_receipt]

## Groups

- [Somerville Foundation Memberships](https://sfhearts.org.uk/plans/somerville-foundation-memberships/) - Somerville Foundation Memberships These are the memberships available.

## Memberships

- [ACHD Patient](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/achd-patient/) - Thank you for your interest in joining our organisation as a PATIENT member. As someone with congenital heart disease (CHD), your involvement is so valuable. If you do not have CHD but have a friend or family member living with CHD, please complete the Heart Families form instead. You can sign up as a Friend for
- [Healthcare Professionals](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/healthcare-professionals/) - This page is for medical professionals working in the field of Adult Congenital Heart Disease, e.g. nurses, doctors, etc. All fields marked with an * are mandatory.
- [Heart Families](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/heart-families/) - Thank you for expressing interest in joining Heart Families! As a parent, family member, or friend of someone born with a congenital heart condition (CHD).
- [Friend](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/friends/) - SIGN UP NOTICE Our Sign up options have changed. Please refer to the sign up page.
- [Supporters - monthly](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/supporters-monthly/) - SIGN UP NOTICE Our Sign up options have changed. Please refer to the sign up page.
- [Supporters - Quarterly](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/supporters-quarterly/) - SIGN UP NOTICE Our Sign up options have changed. Please refer to the sign up page.
- [Supporter - Yearly](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/supporter-yearly/) - SIGN UP NOTICE Our Sign up options have changed. Please refer to the sign up page.
- [Patron - Yearly](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/patron-yearly/) - SIGN UP NOTICE Our Sign up options have changed. Please refer to the sign up page.
- [Patron - Quarterly](https://sfhearts.org.uk/register/patron-quarterly/) - SIGN UP NOTICE Our Sign up options have changed. Please refer to the sign up page.

## Products

- [Ladies Blue Running Vest](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/ladies-blue-running-vest/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* LADIES TECHNICAL RUNNING VEST Size: Please add a message or email us with your size Suitable for Supporters and Fundraisers. Buy a t-shirt today and show your support to help young people and adults born with a heart condition. Please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for production and longer during busy periods. ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders. Max 1 item per order.
- [Men's Blue Running Vest](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/mens-blue-running-vest/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* MENS TECHNICAL RUNNING VEST FROM SOMERVILLE HEART FOUNDATION Size: please add a message to specify your size or email us Buy a t-shirt today and show your support to help young people and adults born with a heart condition. Please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for production and longer during busy periods. ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders. Max 1 item per order.
- [Somerville Heart Foundation T Shirt](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/somerville-heart-foundation-t-shirt/) - Somerville Heart Foundation T Shirts - ideal for a team for walking events or for general wear! Reverse of T Shirt reads: 'Stepping out for those born with a heart condition' (This can be removed if not required) Can be personalised with your name for an additional £3.00 Sizes available: Adults S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Please confirm your text and size requirements in the notes field of your order or by emailing info@sfhearts.org.uk Please note these T Shirts are made to order - please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for production and longer during busy periods.
- [Personalised Somerville Heart Foundation T Shirt](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/personalised-somerville-heart-foundation-t-shirt/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* Somerville Heart Foundation T Shirts – ideal for a team for walking events or for general wear! Reverse of T Shirt reads: ‘Stepping out for those born with a heart condition’ (This can be removed if not required) Sizes available: Adults S, M,
- [Zipped hoodie](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/zipped-hoody/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* Royal blue zipped hoodie with Somerville Heart Foundation logo front and back. Sizes available: Adults S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Please confirm the required size in the notes field of your order or by emailing info@sfhearts.org.uk Please note this item is made to order – please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for production and longer during busy periods.
- [Hoodie](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/hoodie/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* Royal blue hoodie with Somerville Heart Foundation logo front and back. Sizes available: Adults S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Please confirm the required size in the notes field of your order or by emailing info@sfhearts.org.uk Please note this item is made to order – please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for production and longer during busy periods. If you would like a different colour or personalisation, please get in touch as we may be able to accommodate this.
- [T Shirt - My scar tells a story](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/t-shirt-my-scar-tells-a-story/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* Royal blue t-shirt with "My scar tells a story. Raising CHD awareness one beat at a time" on the front and Somerville Heart Foundation logo on the back. Sizes available: Adults S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Please confirm the required size in the notes field of your order or by emailing info@sfhearts.org.uk Please note this item is made to order – please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for production and longer during busy periods. If you would like a different colour or personalisation, please get in touch as we may be able to accommodate this.
- [Personalised Hoodie](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/hoodie-2/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* Royal blue hoodie with Somerville Heart Foundation logo front and back. Sizes available: Adults S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Please confirm the required size and personalisation in the notes field of your order or by emailing info@sfhearts.org.uk Please note this item is made to order – please allow approximately 2 weeks for production.
- [T Shirt - I survived open heart surgery](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/t-shirt-i-survived-open-heart-surgery/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* Royal blue t-shirt with "I survived open heart surgery. What's your superpower?" on the front and Somerville Heart Foundation logo on the back. Sizes available: Adults S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Please confirm the required size in the notes field of your order or by emailing info@sfhearts.org.uk Please note this item is made to order – please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for production and longer during busy periods. If you would like a different colour or personalisation, please get in touch as we may be able to accommodate this.
- [Personalised Zipped hoodie](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/zipped-hoody-2/) - *Sorry, this product is currently not available to order due to supply issues* Royal blue zipped hoodie with Somerville Heart Foundation logo front and back. Sizes available: Adults S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Please confirm the required size and personalisation in the notes field of your order or by emailing info@sfhearts.org.uk Please note this item is made to order – please allow approximately 2-4 weeks for production and longer during busy periods.
- [SHF Heart Pin Badges](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/pin-badges/) - Somerville Heart Foundation enamel pin badge. We've added a magnet to the back of the card, so you can keep our contact details on your fridge. Suggested Minimum Donation £2.00. You can add a further donation when you review your shopping cart or at the check out. ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders. Max 3 items per order.
- [Open Hearts by Kate Bull](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/open-hearts-by-kate-bull/) - If you haven't got your copy of Kate Bull's 'Open Hearts' book yet you're in luck as we have some available. If you buy through Somerville Heart Foundation we receive a small percentage of the price. ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs. Kate Bull has kindly written us a few words to introduce the book: How ‘Open Hearts’ came to be written I am not asking you to feel sorry for paediatric cardiologists, but a teenager’s last clinic visit is a little bittersweet. Having often known them since they were born, abruptly - in the 15 minutes allotted to their slot - you have basically to say: “goodbye, have a nice life, etc.” You package up their medical history and send them off to another hospital, to colleagues who meet them first as nearly-adults and aim to treat them for the rest of their lives. After that, we hear nothing more. News does come back from the adult hospitals - but only as statistics: x% of Fallot’s Tetralogy patients have had a pulmonary valve replacement, y% of Mustard survivors need an ablation… we hear nothing personal – no news of births, marriages or deaths; the climbing of mountains or passing of exams. It is a little bit sad! I became interested in the outside-hospital lives of ‘patients’ when my own son was ill. Those years made me realise the obvious – that ‘patients’ aren’t really ‘patients’ most of the time; they are just kids, teenagers or adults trying to get on with their lives. So when my retirement was looming, I decided to make an effort to meet some ‘graduates’ of paediatric cardiac services and hear more about their personal lives. One thing led to another and now there is a book! I wanted the doctor-patient relationship well out of the way, so needed to make new connections. Here I must thank the Somerville Foundation. Some of you reading previous issues of this newsletter may have spotted a few lines from me requesting that you make contact. You were among the more than 100 who I eventually ‘met’ either in person, on Skype, through letters or emails or over the phone. With the Internet (Facebook in particular) and other kinds of modern ‘gossip’, somehow the word got out to the rest of the world and my interviewees include people from the US, Australia and New Zealand. To be able to spend a couple of hours with people without the pressure of others waiting outside the clinic door was a bonus for me personally and I think most people enjoyed our back and forth conversations. The ‘British’ memory that went furthest back was of being a 6 year old with endocarditis spending months on a men’s ward in 1947 having 4-times daily injections of a new and still scarce drug called penicillin - that predated the inception of the National Health Service! Also in 1947, an American woman told me of her Blalock shunt in Oklahoma; the surgeons opened her chest one day and went back in to actually achieve the anastomosis several days later…. Stories like these gave me a chance to introduce some of the fascinating history of the subject and explain how diagnosis and surgery have evolved since Blalock’s very first shunt in late 1944. It includes the inception of Adult Congenital Heart Disease services, which Jane Somerville dates to 1980. The book is dedicated to her.
- [SHF Pen](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/pen/) - Somerville Heart Foundation Pen (black ink) All profits from each sale will go towards providing practical and emotional support, to young people and adults born with a heart condition, and enabling them to take control of their lives and manage their own heart condition. ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders.
- [Handmade heart keyring](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/handmade-heart-keyring/) - Red, white and blue heart keyring A beautiful handmade addition to your handbag and a great way to keep track of keys easily! Length approx 15cm
- [Metal heart keyring](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/metal-heart-keyring/) - Silver or gold coloured metal heart keyring. Approx 3cm. Please specify your preferred colour.
- [Anatomical heart keyring](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/anatomical-heart-keyring/) - Printed plastic keyring with anatomical heart diagram. Approx 6cm long, plus keychain.
- [Card and Coin purse](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/coin-purse/) - Coin purse with three pockets inside for cards and coins with handy keyring attached. Inside colour blue or red (please specify in order notes if you have a preference and we will do our best to fulfil your request). Purse measures approx 10cm (plus tab and keyring)
- [Acrylic Fridge Magnets](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/acrylic-fridge-magnets/) - Fridge magnet with a heart-related saying. Assorted designs - please let us know if you would like a specific one. Approx 6cm x 6cm acrylic. 1 supplied. The choice of phrases are: My heart isn't faulty... it's just been customised My heart is a limited edition. Rare, valuable and a bit high maintenance My heart is a bit of a fixer-upper Normal heart rhythms are boring...I prefer remixes
- [Festive Fox Christmas Card (Pack of 10)](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/festive-fox-christmas-card/) - Pack of 10 Charity Christmas cards. Size 105mm x 150mm. Greeting inside reads ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’. BLACK FRIDAY OFFER £2.00 PER PACK. USUAL PRICE £3.50 ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders. Max 12 items per order.
- [Notebook](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/notebook/) - Hand covered lined page notebook with pen. Also includes an additional free refill notebook. Inside material design may vary from that shown.
- [Toiletry Bag](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/toiletry-bag/) - This charming toiletry bag has been lovingly hand-made by Michelle, for Somerville Heart Foundation. Made from leatherette and fabric, it is approximately 23cm x 18cm although sizes may vary slightly. Contents not included.
- [Notecards - Pack of 10](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/notecards-pack-of-10/) - Pack of 10 notecards. Make every message personal Blank inside for any occasion Perfect for Thank-You notes, celebrations, sympathy messages, and more
- [Open Hearts Stories](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/open-hearts-stories/) - A book of first hand experiences from people with CHD, honestly written in their own words
- [Festive Dolls Christmas Card (Pack of 10)](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/christmas-card-festive-dolls/) - Pack of 10 Charity Christmas Cards. Size 105mm x 150mm. Greeting inside reads 'With Best Wishes for Christmas and the new Year' **Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders. Max 12 items per order.
- [UPBEAT Magazine – Printed Edition 2025](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/pre-order-upbeat-february-2025/) - Professionally printed UPBEAT magazine. Available quarterly in a digital format, during ‘Heart Month’ (every February) we also offer a printed version! Packed full of articles and information about CHD, some written by those who chose to share their stories. By purchasing a printed edition, you are helping us to cover the design, printing & production
- [UPBEAT Magazine – Printed Edition 2026](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/upbeat-february-2026-2/) - Professionally printed UPBEAT magazine for ‘Heart Month’ (February) - packed with articles and information about CHD, including Heart Stories written by patients who have shared their stories. By purchasing a printed edition, you are helping us to cover the design, printing & production costs of the magazine. (If you are a ‘Supporter’ or ‘Patron’ you
- [Hair scrunchie](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/hair-scrunchie/) - Handmade hair scrunchie. Available in plain red or heart print (please specify your preference in the notes when ordering). One supplied.
- [Portrait Painting by David Makinson](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/portrait-painting-by-david-makinson/) - To help raise funds, patient and amateur artist, David Makinson will paint your portrait or that of a family member for just £20.00 plus a donation of your choosing to The Somerville Foundation. Portrait painting by David Makinson To help raise funds, patient and amateur artist, David Makinson will paint your portrait or that of a family member for just £20.00, which goes towards the costs of the material. David would also like to encourage people to make a donation in addition to the purchase of the print. Requirements: You will need to provide a good quality digital photograph for David to work from. The photograph should be a head and shoulders shot with a pose of your choosing i.e. looking straight ahead or at an angle. If you normally wear glasses, these can be included. Ideally, your facial expression should be neutral, but you may choose. The reason for a neutral expression is because teeth are notoriously difficult to paint. You may have noticed that most professional portraits hanging in galleries show a neutral facial expression. Please avoid heavily patterned fabrics in your choice of clothing for your portrait. Specifications: Portraits will be painted using acrylic paints on a canvas board and varnished on completion. The canvas board will measure 35.6 cm x 25.4 cm or 14’’ x 10’’. The finished portrait will be posted to you unframed so you can choose your own frame. Process: Pay the initial £20.00. This is to cover the cost of materials, postage costs will be confirmed by David. Send a good quality digital photograph to David Makinson at davidmak@hotmail.co.uk. He will consider the photograph and contact you to acknowledge receipt and to discuss your photograph if required. You need to allow for at least two to three months for David to complete your portrait as he needs to fit this around work commitments and enjoy the process – this is a hobby not a profession. Once completed David will email you a photograph of your finished portrait. If you are happy with it, at that point you will then need to pay your donation to Somerville Heart Foundation based on what you feel the painting is worth to you and what you can afford to donate. David is keen not to exclude people based on their income. When David has received confirmation from Somerville Heart Foundation that a donation has been received for your painting, he will then post the painting to you.
- [Hand-painted wooden decoration](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/hand-painted-wooden-decoration/) - Hand-painted wooden heart shaped decoration with thread ready to hang. Approx 5.5cm
- [Handmade Christmas Decoration](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/handmade-felt-christmas-decoration/) - Beautiful handmade felt Christmas decoration, one supplied* Approximately 10cm x 10cm Colours and designs vary (mittens, stars, bells, stockings, stars and hearts). If you would like a particular shape or colour please specify using the notes field and we will do our best to accommodate your preference. *Fancy a set of 3? Please select the
- [Hearts and Baubles Christmas Cards (Pack of 10)](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/hearts-and-baubles-christmas-cards-pack-of-10/) - Pack of 10 Charity Christmas cards. All proceeds go to Somerville Heart Foundation. Size 105mm x 150mm. Greeting inside reads ‘With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year’. ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders.
- [Christmas gift tags (approx 15 per pack)](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/christmas-gift-tags/) - Christmas gift tags. Handmade and ready to use with green ties. Designs vary, approx 15 tags per pack. These were generously donated for sale by a Somerville Heart Foundation member to raise funds for people born with a heart condition.
- [Glasses case - Faux leather](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/glasses-case-faux-leather/) - Handmade faux leather glasses case with flex mouth opening. Available in red or blue - please specify your preference when ordering.
- [Healing Hearts and Minds Book](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/healing-hearts-and-minds-book/) - Healing Hearts and Minds Book - 'A Holistic Approach to Coping Well With Congenital Heart Disease' - Tracy Livecchi, LCSW and Liza Morton, PhD ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders. Max 3 items per order. All profits from each sale will go towards providing practical and emotional support, to young people and adults born with a heart condition, and enabling them to take control of their lives and manage their own heart condition.
- [Handmade Mini Christmas Stocking](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/stocking/) - Handmade mini Christmas stocking, one in a pack Approx. measurements: diameter 6 cm & length 12 cm. ONE SUPPLIED. Designs vary as they are handmade - available in red/green, red/white and red/white/green. Colour sent is random - contact us if you would like a particular colour. Fill this stocking with other items from our shop like the pen, keyrings, pin badges or bracelets! ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders. All proceeds go towards supporting young people and adults born with a heart condition. Unique pieces made with love by individuals who support those with CHD.
- [Handmade Mini Christmas Gift Bag](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/handmade-mini-christmas-bag/) - Handmade mini Christmas gift bag, one in a pack Approx. measurements: diameter 5.5 cm & length 10 cm - Red or green felt gift bag with embellishment. Designs and colours may vary. If you would like a specific design or colour, put it in your notes or ring the office and we will do our best to accommodate you. Fill this gift bag with other items from our shop like the pen, keyrings, pin badges or bracelets! View our Accessories and Stationery or add a donation to your basket. ** Packing & Postage (P&P) is added at checkout and is only for UK orders, please get in touch with us for international postage costs or for bulk orders. All proceeds go towards supporting young people and adults born with a heart condition. Unique pieces made with love by individuals who support those with CHD.
- [Set of 3 handmade Christmas decorations](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/set-of-3-handmade-felt-christmas-decorations/) - Set of three beautiful handmade felt Christmas decorations Approximately 10cm x 10cm each Colours and designs vary. If you would like a particular shape or colour please specify using the notes field and we will do our best to accommodate your preference. These decorations are also available individually at £2.95 each
- [Cotton shopping bag - Word Cloud](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/cotton-shopping-bag-word-cloud/) - Cotton shopping bag Printed on the front with: Word cloud image about the support we offer Printed on the reverse with: Our logo, website and charity details Bag measures 40cm x 36cm
- [Cotton shopping bag - I'm me, with CHD](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/cotton-shopper-bag-im-me-with-chd/) - Cotton shopping bag Printed on the front with: I'm me, with CHD Printed on the reverse with: SHF logo, website and charity details Bag measures 40cm x 36cm
- [Donation](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/donation/) - Donation
- [Cotton shopping bag - SHF hearts](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/cotton-shopping-bag-shf-hearts/) - Cotton shopping bag - printed with: 3 SHF hearts and our strapline Printed on the reverse with: Our logo, website and charity details Bag measures 40cm x 36cm
- [Cotton shopping bag - I'm 1 in 100](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/im-1-in-100-cotton-shopper-bag/) - Cotton shopping bag Printed on the front with: I'm 1 in 100 Printed on the reverse with: Our logo, website and charity details Bag measures 40cm x 36cm
- [Heart Bracelet](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product/heart-bracelet-2/) - An elasticated and fully adjustable bracelet featuring delicate silver outlines of a heart trace, heart and stethoscope. Presented on a Somerville Heart Foundation card with our contact details on the reverse.

## 3D FlipBook

- [Youth Services Framework](https://sfhearts.org.uk/3d-flip-book/youth-services-framework/)
- [UPBEAT Issue 115 Flipbook](https://sfhearts.org.uk/3d-flip-book/upbeat-issue-115-flipbook/)
- [UPBEAT Issue 116 Flipbook](https://sfhearts.org.uk/3d-flip-book/upbeat-issue-116/)

## Portfolio Items

- [Our impact](https://sfhearts.org.uk/portfolio-item/our-impact/)
- [How we are changing lives](https://sfhearts.org.uk/portfolio-item/how-we-are-changing-lives/)

## Categories

- [NHS England](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/nhs-england/)
- [Member News](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/member-news/)
- [Patient Stories](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/patient-stories/)
- [Events](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/events/)
- [Resources](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/resources/)
- [Fundraisers](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/fundraisers/)
- [16-24](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/patient-stories/16-24/)
- [Information](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/information/)
- [Research](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/research/)
- [Excercise](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/excercise/)
- [Conditions](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/conditions/)
- [Lottery Results](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/lottery-results/)
- [Campaigns](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/campaigns/)
- [Emotional & Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/emotional-mental-health/)
- [Relaxation & Mindfulness](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/relaxation-mindfulness/)
- [Deterioration in Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/deterioration-in-health/)
- [25 - 40](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/patient-stories/25-40/)
- [Current Events](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/events/current-events/) - Events taking place currently.
- [Challenge](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/challenge/)
- [COVID19](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/covid19/)
- [All News](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/all-news/)
- [Finance](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/finance/)
- [Webinar](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/webinar/)
- [Hearts Together 2022](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/hearts-together-2022/)
- [Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/mental-health/)
- [Announcements](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/all-news/announcements/) - Charity Announcments
- [Menopause](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/menopause/)
- [Young People](https://sfhearts.org.uk/category/young-people/)

## Tags

- [achd](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/achd/)
- [chd](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/chd/)
- [somerville foundation](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/somerville-foundation/)
- [chd charity](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/chd-charity/)
- [relaxation](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/relaxation/)
- [anxiety](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/anxiety/)
- [calm](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/calm/)
- [visualisation](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/visualisation/)
- [ACHD Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/achd-mental-health/)
- [Heart](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/heart/)
- [Lottery](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/lottery/)
- [Charity](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/charity/)
- [Infective Endocarditis](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/infective-endocarditis/)
- [Dentistry](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/dentistry/)
- [Antibiotic](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/antibiotic/)
- [#COVID19](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/covid19/)
- [#Coronavirus](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/coronavirus/)
- [Appeal](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/appeal/)
- [Mental Health](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/mental-health/)
- [Webinar](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/webinar/)
- [COVID-19](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/covid-19/)
- [Chronic health condition](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/chronic-health-condition/)
- [#Save Uk Charities](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/save-uk-charities/)
- [#Fundraising #Somerville Foundation](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/fundraising-somerville-foundation/)
- [#Fundraise #2.6 Challenge #Charity #Challenge #Funraise](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/fundraise-2-6-challenge-charity-challenge-funraise/)
- [#2.6 Challenge #Challenge #twopointsix #Charity #Somerville Foundation #Fundraise!](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/2-6-challenge-challenge-twopointsix-charity-somerville-foundation-fundraise/)
- [#COVID19 #ACHD #Charity #Fundraising](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/covid19-achd-charity-fundraising/)
- [#heart #charity #fundraiser](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/heart-charity-fundraiser/)
- [Hearts](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/hearts/)
- [Minds](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/minds/)
- [Mental Health Awareness Week](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/mental-health-awareness-week/)
- [Kindness matters](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/kindness-matters/)
- [London Marathon](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/london-marathon/)
- [Youth](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/youth/)
- [Support](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/support/)
- [CHD Awareness](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/chd-awareness/)
- [1in100](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/1in100/)
- [HeartFamily](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/heartfamily/)
- [Youth Support](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/youth-support/)
- [men](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/men/)
- [men'smentalhealth](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/mensmentalhealth/)
- [Royal Parks](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/royal-parks/)
- [Soul Night](https://sfhearts.org.uk/tag/soul-night/)

## Product categories

- [Clothing](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/clothing/)
- [Jewellery](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/jewellery/)
- [Books](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/books/)
- [Christmas](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/christmas/)
- [Hand Crafted](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/hand-crafted/) - Unique hand crafted pieces made with love by individuals who support those with CHD.
- [Heart Month](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/heart-month/) - Items aimed at heart month
- [Accessories](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/accessories/)
- [Cards](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/cards/) - Cards
- [Newsletter](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/newsletter/)
- [Valentines](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/valentines/) - Valentines gifts
- [Stationery](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/stationery/)
- [Donations](https://sfhearts.org.uk/product-category/donations/)

## Portfolio Categories

- [home](https://sfhearts.org.uk/portfolio_entries/home/)