As part of Calon Hearts ‘preventative approach’ in tackling their mission- to reduce heart related fatalities nationwide, they have been offering Heart Screenings with partners including IGP, Cardiff and Cardiac Health Diagnostics since the Charities infancy. So, taking on the huge mission of Mobile Heart Screening around the UK had long since been a twinkle in director, Sharon Owen’s eye.
Last year Sharon and her team landed a crucial bit of funding from the fantastic Lotteri Cymru that made this dream a possibility! The Lotteri Funding contributed to the purchase of equipment needed to take their Heart Health show on the road and starting in June of this year, that’s exactly what they’ve been doing.
“It is imperative that we increase the number of people having heart screenings nationwide and ensure that these sessions are accessible to reduce the number of young people, and those of all ages, dying unnecessarily from heart disease and heart related conditions in the UK.
With statistics showing that 12 seemingly fit and healthy young people die weekly from undiagnosed heart conditions it is key that we take preventive measures to reduce these fatalities.” Calon Hearts Spokesperson
A simple heart screening can highlight previously hidden heart health conditions and allow you to seek the support needed. At present Calon Hearts are running heart screening sessions Wales wide and hope that by 2024 they’ll be setting up their mobile camp throughout the UK.
How does this work? Simply put, with a lot of great support! Calon Hearts are a self-funded charity, meaning they receive no government funding, so it has been through donations from the private sector and generous individuals that this life saving project is sustainable. Organisation’s with a keen eye on Corporate Social Responsibility and who genuinely desire utilise additional profit or the resources at their disposal to benefit their communities have been indispensable. In fact, they’re really the backbone of this project as it is businesses throughout Wales who have played host to the Mobile Heart Screening Unit by offering space to set up the screenings
“We’ve been situated in classrooms, gyms, office space and even hotel rooms. It’s amazing and most importantly it’s maximizing our ability to reach people for heart screenings”
Thanks to their events, donations and sponsors Calon Hearts are able to offer their sessions from less than a third of a private heart screening and entirely for free in some cases
“Families often donate heart screenings in memory of a loved one they’re lost to heart failure, it’s a beautiful way to honor someone’s memory. I think many families wonder if a heart screening could have made a difference to their loss”
With the determination of this small but fierce self-funded charity it seems a clear-cut certainty that this mission will be a success. Calon Hearts are continuing their fight against undiagnosed heart failures with heart screenings regularly, nationwide. You can find a screening near you here Screenings | Calon Hearts
Article JHJ, 14/08/23