BHF celebrate virtual Heart Hero Awards

Yesterday we celebrated the UK's inspirational ‘Heart Heroes’ who have shown courage, resilience, compassion and bravery in the face of debilitating heart and circulatory diseases. 

Usually a glitzy, black-tie event that has previously taken the stage at Shakespeare’s Globe, this year’s event was transformed into a star-studded virtual event which was hosted by Vernon Kay on YouTube. 

Our amazing ‘Heart Heroes’ alongside many other astounding individuals, were recognised by celebrity attendees including Gary Cahill, David Ginola, Graeme Souness, the Mac Twins, Chessie King and Olivia Arben. Family members, friends and the public also tuned in to watch the emotive award ceremony.  

A night to celebrate inspirational people

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive said: “Whilst this year’s Heart Hero Awards were virtual, we enjoyed celebrating the brilliant and inspirational people who have undergone life altering experiences or have changed the lives of others. A huge thank you and congratulations to all of the nominees and winners, judges and presenters, as well as our new celebrity ambassadors for making the Heart Hero Awards the unique and heart-warming event that it is.”  

Our Heart Heroes

One of this year’s winners was 4-year-old Sophia Marshall who was presented the ‘Young Heart Hero Award’ by our new ambassador, TV and radio presenter, Yinka Bokinni.  

Sophia was born with eleven complex heart defects and at just three-days-old had a cardiac arrest in her father’s arms. Since then, Sophia has had five major heart surgeries and survived against the odds to raise awareness of congenital heart disease. Her incredible fighting spirit inspired her family to support the BHF with fundraising – Sophia regularly does bucket collections. The family has also championed the charity’s ‘Opt out organ donation’ campaign. 

The ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award, which was announced by new BHF ambassador Gemma Atkinson, was won by June and Jim Machin.  

The dedicated couple have channelled their grief from losing their two sons to congenital heart disease to raise over £600,000 for the BHF over 45 years. This phenomenal couple have also turned tragedy into action to help other families facing the loss of their children. They are constantly fighting to ensure their sons’ legacy is continuing to help research into heart and circulatory diseases. 

A brand-new award, the ‘Joan Willett Legacy Award’, was presented to 104-year-old Joan Willett by the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson. Inspired by Sir Tom Moore, Joan walked 70 miles up and down a hill outside of her care home to raise over £60,000 for our life saving research. The Duchess of York sent a personal message to Joan to congratulate her for the great achievement before announcing the inaugural award. 

 
The night’s entertainment was peppered with exclusive performances by singer-songwriter Ella Henderson and our new ambassador Luke Pritchard from the Kooks’.  

This year's Heart Hero Awards are supported by Laerdal Medical, who are working with the BHF to help save more lives and beat heartbreak forever.