BHF Associate Medical Director wins Inspiring Communicator Award

Our associate medical director, Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan has been named an Inspiring Communicator for her hard work in campaigning for heart patients during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The honour was given to Sonya at the Charity Comms Inspiring Communicator Awards (ICAs) last night. The ICAs celebrate those whose services to charity communications truly goes above and beyond.

In her nomination for the award, we said that the needs of heart patients are always front of mind for Sonya, whether she is holding power to account over the hundreds of thousands of people waiting many months for vital heart care or cutting through confusion for people who need easy access to clear and concise health information in uncertain times.

She is deserving of the honour because Sonya never forgets what a worrying time this is for many cardiovascular disease patients. Every word she speaks or writes is carefully chosen to provide reassurance where it can be given, and to avoid unnecessary alarm for those already concerned enough. Yet she is also unafraid to dial up the urgency when advocating for the people who need someone to fight their corner.

In celebration of Sonya's award, Dr Charmaine Griffiths said: "I want to say a huge congratulations to Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan – this Charity Comms inspiring communicators award is so well deserved. 

"When the pandemic began, little was said of its impact on people with cardiovascular disease. Over two years on, the ongoing severe disruption to potentially lifesaving care for heart patients is a topic of national conversation. This is in no small part thanks to Sonya's tireless campaign work.

"Founded within a week of the first UK lockdown, Sonya continues to lead CORE group: a working group made up of BHF experts in areas such as policy, media, public affairs, medical, and health data.

"Under Sonya's leadership, this group comes together every week to discuss relevant real-world developments and what they mean for heart patients. This approach has helped us to be seen and heard by the patients we serve.

"The BHF is incredibly fortunate to have such an inspiring and powerful communicator, and I am delighted that Sonya's hard work and commitment to our cause has been publicly recognised."

Of her win, Sonya acknowledged the hard work of the team around her. She said: "It's thanks to the wisdom and expertise of my CORE group colleagues that we can continue to raise awareness of the colossal impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on heart disease and stroke patients.

"But our work is far from over, and we will continue seizing every opportunity to help patients understand complex issues, and to campaign for bold action to tackle the ongoing and severe disruption to heart care.

"I am truly grateful to receive this award, and for the spotlight it shines on the pandemic's ongoing impact on those living with cardiovascular disease. This award is for all the many brilliant people I work with at the BHF."

A practicing NHS consultant cardiologist, Sonya gives up her time generously to share her valuable expertise and insight with her BHF colleagues. As a result we can better deliver for the patients we serve. 

READ ABOUT SONYA'S CAMPAIGNING