Fundraisers needed to help launch British Heart Foundation’s life-saving research group in Newark

A mother whose son was born with a serious heart condition is calling for volunteers to help launch a new fundraising group in Newark, in aid of the British Heart Foundation’s life-saving research.

Aimee Barton, of Farnsfield, was inspired to volunteer for the BHF following the birth of her son, Sebastian and his twin brother Finn, in 2014.

A scan picked up that Sebastian had a congenital heart disease called Tetralogy of Fallot, and Aimee was told that he would need surgery later in life. However, Sebastian soon became unwell and needed several hospital admissions.

At six months old, he underwent open heart surgery to replace a major heart valve and repair the hole in his heart. The operation at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester was a success, but Sebastian needs annual check-ups and further surgery in the future.

Aimee said: “When the BHF was founded, eight out of every ten babies born with congenital heart disease died before their first birthday. Now, thanks to research, the BHF have helped to turn this around, with eight out of ten babies surviving to adulthood.

“This inspired me to do as much as I can to help.”

“From running events to supporting schools and local businesses and organising collections, joining a group is a fantastic way to support the life-saving work of the BHF.

“I’d urge more people to join a fundraising group ­— it’s a lot of fun but also very rewarding, as every pound we raise helps fund ground-breaking discoveries and identifies new treatments that could help save more people from the devastating effects of heart and circulatory disease.”

Congenital heart defects develop in the womb and affect one in every 180 births ­— an average of 12 babies each day in the UK ­— and more are diagnosed later in life.

Aimee said: “The doctors gave me a leaflet produced by the BHF which explained the condition. It was fantastic and answered all of my questions. The leaflet really helped to reassure me.

“Today, Sebastian is a happy, lively and cheeky four-year-old, who loves being active and playing with his twin brother.”

Aimee volunteers for the BHF as an in-memoriam secretary, liaising with funeral directors to receive the in memorial donations for the charity.

In Newark and Sherwood alone, around 18,000 people live with heart and circulatory diseases.

Naomi Walters, BHF’s fundraising manager for Nottinghamshire, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Aimee for her ongoing support.

“It is only thanks to the generous donations of the public that we can continue to fund our vital research.”

To find out more, potential volunteers can call Naomi on 07384 257023 or email waltersn@bhf.org.uk