With your help, we opened the UK’s first dedicated Congenital Heart Research Centre.

The Somerville Foundation has always worked hard to improve the lives of people who were born with a heart condition. However much more needs to be done; especially when it comes to research.

That’s why, with your help, The Somerville Foundation opened the UK’s first dedicated congenital heart research centre.

The centre of its kind in the UK, and part of only a handful worldwide, this state-of-the-art facility is run in partnership with The Somerville Foundation and The University of Suffolk.

Combining the University’s expertise in cardiovascular science, exercise physiology, and psychology, and our expertise in supporting people with CHD, the centre focuses on finding more effective ways to treat and support CHD patients.

But more still needs to be done.

Today, too many congenital heart defect patients are dying prematurely and living restricted, and in some cases unhappy lives. We are a long way from having all the answers.

So, make a donation today and help us carry on our valuable work.

Where your money goes

  • Grants to researchers, cardiologists, medics and academics seeking more effective ways to treat and support CHD patients
  • Grants to those seeking new ways to improve the mental health of CHD patients
  • Raising awareness of the needs of CHD patients and in particular the need for good quality research
  • Programs and services based upon good practice identified through research
  • And more!

With your help, we’ve helped fund new and improved treatments for congenital heart disease. we opened the UK’s first dedicated Congenital Heart Research Centre. we’ve organised receptions at the House of Lords and House of Commons, a film première, concerts, parachute jumps, marathon runs, annual sponsored walks and masquerade balls. we ensure that adult CHD patients enjoy access to every opportunity, are free from discrimination, and are fully supported throughout their lives. we’ve staged annual conferences, regional patient information days and workshops throughout the UK. we’ve published a range of leaflets for CHD patients on a wide-range of topics. we’ve launched a Freephone patient helpline to provide practical advice, a listening ear, and emotional reassurance at times of stress. we’ve created online networks where congenital heart patients can connect with each other. we successfully applied for a Comic Relief grant to help develop mental health support services. we’ve contributed to adult congenital heart disease nurse training days and taken part in various study days and conferences for medical and health professionals. we’ve established a benevolent fund for members who are in financial hardship. we’ve organised residential weekends and outward bound holidays for teenagers and adults, providing congenital heart patients with the opportunity to meet and gain support from each other.

Just think what else we could do if you donate, fundraise or volunteer for us.

FIND OUT HOW WE’RE HEALING BROKEN HEARTS