Meet Bella
Bella Brittan was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, but she has never let this define or limit her ambitions. When she tackled a 30-mile ‘bike hike’ to fundraise for our work at Heartbeat, her determination and positivity shone through. We feel incredibly lucky to know Bella and her family – here’s their story.
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Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare congenital condition caused by four structural abnormalities within the heart. Those diagnosed with it, like Bella, live with four complications: Pulmonary Stenosis, Right Ventricular Hypertrophy, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and an Overriding Aorta. Bella underwent open heart surgery as a baby – a hugely intensive procedure for anybody, let alone at the beginning of their life.
Since then, she has been living with her condition and adapting to life as a cardiac patient.
Our Cardiac Youth Workers, Becky Cutler and Kim Cooke, provide a great deal of support to Bella. They offer patients aged between 11 and 25 years old an approachable, constant line of support.
Being a heart patient can trigger a level of anxiety for anyone, but battling it as a child brings its own unique challenges. Young patients have to contend with the day-to-day trials and emotional shifts that come with adolescence, all while transitioning from paediatrics to the adult unit at their hospital. There’s so much else going on in their lives and their bodies, but their heart treatment has to continue taking up precious time and space.
Inspired by fellow Heartbeat fundraiser and young cardiac patient Jasmine Bannister, Bella wanted to complete her own challenge as a way of recognising the support she continues to receive from the Heartbeat team. She didn’t make it easy on herself, choosing to tackle a mega ‘bike hike’ – a 21-mile cycle and a 9-mile walk from her house in Christchurch to Heartbeat House, just opposite Southampton Hospital where she will be having another round of open heart surgery later this year.
Her Dad, Tim, and family friend, Ady, remained by her side every step (and pedal!) of the way. They also helped plan the route. A whole crew of friends, family and Heartbeat staff were waiting to welcome Bella as she crossed the finish line.
She raised an unbelievable £6,000, which will go straight towards other children and families encountering similarly challenging times. Bella’s efforts will also help us fund more 3D heart models for children with particularly complex surgical needs, like hers.
In recognition of her accomplishment, Bella was selected to receive the Shining Star award at the Christchurch Carnival. This event celebrates the achievements of inspiring young citizens from the BH postcode area, recognising children who go out of their way to help others. It’s a really special way to honour moments of courage, bravery, and sporting and creative achievements.
Bella took to the stage with two other Shining Star winners, and they all had the opportunity to explain what they had done before receiving a sash and certificate. Christchurch Quay was absolutely packed for the occasion! Bella was also given the honour of introducing the DJ set with a big countdown.
On the Sunday, Bella joined the mayoral convoy and was chauffeured along the carnival parade in a classic Jaguar E-type, waving to the local community as she moved through the crowds. To top it off, she received a goodie bag of treats and a voucher for Rock Reef in Bournemouth.
Commenting on the experience, 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 loved ones. 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 at the finish line!”
Bella’s parents are so proud of her unwavering resilience, and it’s no surprise; her achievement is nothing short of incredible and she deserves all the recognition she’s been given.
She’s 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 unfaltering 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.
