Young Dorset Cardiac Patient Takes Centre Stage as Christchurch Carnival Star

A Dorset teenager who raised more than £6,000 for cardiac charity Heartbeat has been celebrated within her community for her incredible fundraising efforts after being named one of Christchurch Carnival’s 2026 Carnival Stars.

Bella Brittan from Christchurch was recognised for her determination to give back to the charity which supported her after she underwent open heart surgery as a baby.

Earlier this year, Bella took on an incredible challenge to raise money for Heartbeat, cycling from her home in Christchurch to Lyndhurst before completing the final leg on foot to the charity’s headquarters at Rotary Heartbeat House, a distance of more than 30 miles.

Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a condition caused by four structural abnormalities within the heart, Bella knows first-hand the impact of living with a heart condition and was inspired to support other cardiac patients and their families.

As a Carnival Shining Star, Bella enjoyed a packed weekend of celebrations. On Saturday afternoon, she took to the stage alongside the two other Shining Stars, where she was invited to tell the audience about her fundraising journey, her experience as a cardiac patient and why giving back to Heartbeat is so important to her.

She was then presented with her Carnival Star sash and certificate before being given the honour of carrying out the countdown to the DJ set, helping bring the evening's celebrations to a close.

The following day, Bella joined the mayoral convoy for the Christchurch Carnival parade, travelling along the route in a classic E-Type Jaguar and waving to members of the local community.

Bella was also treated to a £50 voucher to choose an outfit for the weekend, as well as a goodie bag filled with treats and vouchers. Among her prizes was a voucher for Bella and a friend to enjoy a day at RockReef in Bournemouth.

Bella said: “I had such an amazing weekend and I feel so lucky to have been chosen as a Carnival Star. It was lovely to be able to talk about my fundraising and why Heartbeat means so much to me.

“Being part of the parade was really special and I loved waving to everyone from the Jaguar. I was completely spoilt and had such a brilliant time.”

Heartbeat’s Community Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Tanya Harder, said: “Bella is an incredible and inspiring young lady and thoroughly deserves to be recognised as a Carnival Shining Star.

“Her fundraising journey has been truly inspiring to watch and support her. She has taken her own experiences as a cardiac patient and used them to help others, raising an incredible amount of money for Heartbeat while showing such determination and generosity. She has gone above and beyond, not just for the charity but for young patients like herself who re going through a difficulty journey.

“It was so heartwarming and emotional to hear that Bella was nominated to be a Shining Star for her local community carnival. Being recognised for her fundraising efforts but also being brave enough to share her story is truly exceptional and we couldn’t be prouder of everything she has achieved.”