Dorset teen bikes and hikes over 30 milesto raise money for cardiac charity
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A Dorset teen who underwent open heart surgery as a baby has biked and hiked over 30 miles to raise over £5,000 for cardiac charity Heartbeat and help others born with complex heart conditions.
Bella Brittan from Christchurch cycled from her home to Lyndhurst before setting off on foot to the charity’s headquarters at Rotary Heartbeat House.
Born with Tetralogy of Fallot – a condition caused by four structural abnormalities within the heart – Bella knows first-hand the impact of living as a cardiac patient.
Inspired by fellow young Heartbeat fundraiser and cardiac patient Jasmine Bannister, Bella wanted to take on her challenge for a charity that meant she received the very best treatment for her condition.
By her side every step – and pedal – of the way was Bella’s dad Tim and family friend Ady, completing the entire challenge alongside her and helping plan the route. Friends, family and the Heartbeat team were waiting at the finish line, welcoming Bella with a well-deserved celebration.
Heartbeat provides a huge support to Bella who has access to Cardiac Youth Workers, Becky Cutler and Kim Cooke, who support cardiac patients like aged between 11-25 years. Both of these ladies are a constant line of support and a friendly face for the children and young adults as they go through their cardiac journey. Being a heart patient can create enough anxiety and worry for anybody, no matter what age. Growing up with a heart condition can be much harder for the patient, as they also have to contend with the day-to-day trials and tribulations of adolescence to transitioning from paediatrics to adults.
Commenting on her achievement, Bella said: “I know just how hard managing a heart condition can be, so I wanted to give back to a cause that supports both cardiac patients like me and their families and loved ones too. I’d like to say thank you to those who supported me along the way and cheered me on. I was thrilled to see everyone waiting to greet me at the finish line!”
Community Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Tanya Harder commented: “Bella’s achievement is nothing short of incredible and an inspiration to everyone who hears her story. Taking on such a personal challenge to support fellow cardiac patients shows not only her courage and determination, but also her huge heart and desire to give back to others facing similar journeys. It is thanks to amazing fundraisers, like Bella, that we can continue providing vital support, care and comfort to families when they need it most.
