Making a Difference: Local Company Partners with Heartbeat to Support Guernsey Families in Need

Heartbeat is a charity that provides a “Home from Home” for families of loved ones having cardiac surgery in Southampton, including those from the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The charity is delighted that Fort Group Guernsey have made a substantial donation to cover the costs of the renovation of “The Cove” a room at the University Hospital Southampton E1 ward, where young cardiac patients aged 11-18 years can relax and be away from the busy ward. A welcoming space where they can, recover, and recuperate from recent surgeries and interventions. This special place is where the youngsters can receive vital 1.1 youth support sessions, provided by Becky and Kim, the cardiac youth support team. They have the chance to socialise with other teens and access some fun games and activities, watch TV and just getting to know new friends who are also going through the same journey.  

Becky said “It is a real pleasure to work with the most inspiring young people living daily lives with congenital heart disease and my role as a youth worker enables young people to access support, both practically and emotionally as they transition through adolescence into adult hood.

Graham McCormack, CEO, Fort said “We are incredibly proud to support the development of the Young Cardiac Patient Room at Wessex Cardiac Unit.

Providing the funds to equip and transform this room is more than a charity donation; it is about making a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people whilst on the cardiac unit. We hope this new space will bring joy, smiles and laughter to the young people and their families”

Heartbeat have been instrumental in the development of the cardiac youth service. Providing a platform to highlight the need for youth support for those youngsters with cardiac heart disease.

Harry Shields, also part of the Fort Team, knows full well the trials of the journey that cardiac heart disease can bring, and as an Ambassador of Heartbeat, and having his own experiences, he has been instrumental in much of the progress that has been made to make this support network possible. 

Tina Tolley, Head of Business and Donor Development said “Heartbeat cannot thank Graham and all the team at Fort enough for their continuous support and the generous and kind donation. We know this already has made a huge positive impact to the precious lives of these incredible youngsters. We are forever grateful”