Reflections of Research: behind the lens 📸
BHF-funded researcher Natalia Georgiadou’s image ‘The Heart’s Silent Fight’ was the Supporters' Favourite for our 2025 Reflections of Research image competition.
Natalia’s image shows a human heart affected by fibrosis, where healthy heart muscle, shown in green, is replaced by scar tissue, shown in red. This can happen when the heart muscle is damaged, for example during a heart attack.
Scar tissue cannot function like normal heart muscle, meaning the heart’s ability to pump blood is reduced, causing heart failure in some people. Natalia's BHF-funded research at The University of Leeds aims to learn how healthy cells become replaced by scar tissue and find ways to stop this process in order to help keep the heart beating normally 🔬❤️
It's true, @harrystyles new album could really save lives. 5 of the songs on 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.' are the right rhythm for CPR at between 100-120 BPM, even more of a reason to have it on repeat! ❤️ @hshq
“Because I was so terrified that something might go wrong during surgery… I literally did anything my kids asked.”
TV presenter Emma Willis lived unknowingly with a hole in her heart for 48 years and only discovered her condition in January 2025.
Emma shares her journey through diagnosis, surgery, and why being present for her family means everything. By sharing her story, Emma hopes to help others facing similar challenges.
We’re placing red benches across the country to spark conversations. Behind every bench is a powerful real-life story of someone living with a cardiovascular condition.
Heart conditions can take a toll on your mental health. But you’re not alone in how you’re feeling.
On our website you'll find support and resources that can help. There are dedicated articles on:
• emotional support for your mental health
• supporting a loved one
• connecting with others.
You can also speak to our cardiac nurses for support and answers to your questions about cardiovascular disease. They’re available by phone or live chat, weekdays 9am–5pm (excluding bank holidays). Call 0808 802 1234 (freephone).
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Stress affects everyone differently.
It can impact your heart and circulatory system, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are a few simple techniques you can try in the moment.
See what works for you ❤️
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Feeling anxious with a heart problem is common. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, grounding techniques can bring you back to the present moment, while relaxation techniques can help calm your mind and body. Here are a few you could try in the moment ❤️
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
We’re ramping up our fundraising for @the_bhf this month and we need your help! Every 3 minutes, someone in the UK dies from cardiovascular disease - it can affect anyone. When you make a micro-donation at the counter, you’re helping to fund vital research to change that. So when you next come and visit us, please consider giving £1. Your small change can make big change 🤝
@pennies_orguk #tradespeople #construction #skilledtrades #TeamBHF #toolsforhearts
“The person who saved me was one of British Heart Foundation’s cardiac nurses.”
This International Nurses Day, we’re celebrating the nurses who are there for people when their world turns upside down.
After losing her mum to heart failure, Alice was later diagnosed with heart failure herself. News like that can make everything spiral. As a former nurse herself, Alice understood what was happening. But because it was happening to her, it was incredibly hard to process. Everything changed when she spoke to one of our Cardiac Nurses.
“She spent hours giving me just what I needed, which was calm and rational conversation. When you’re blinded by grief and terror, being rational really isn’t your strongest point. I needed somebody to help me see the facts again.”
Cardiac nurses, and nurses everywhere, do far more than treat symptoms. They help people feel understood and less alone during the hardest moments of their lives.
Thank you to every nurse. Thank you to our incredible Cardiac Nurses. Happy International Nurses Day. ❤️
Depression can happen for many reasons.
Some people experience it after a heart attack, heart surgery, or a heart condition diagnosis. It can feel heavy and isolating, but it’s important to know that it’s treatable.
Getting the right support can make a real difference to both mental and physical health.
Here are some ways you can support a loved one who may be struggling.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
This is your sign to learn CPR.
Learning CPR ensures you’re ready if a loved one has a cardiac arrest. It takes just 15 minutes to learn, but it could mean everything to the people you love. Start training now.
Search 'RevivR'
An epic cycling challenge to the Arctic Circle 🚴♂️❄️
We’re cheering on three lifelong friends as they prepare to cycle from Oslo to Bodø this June in memory of their friend, Simon ‘Teddy’ Taylor, who died from a heart attack aged 56.
Tim Fairley, Tim Knight and David Kennedy will cover 900 miles, climbing over 50,000 feet taking on huge distances and tough conditions.
They’re riding while raising vital funds for our lifesaving cardiovascular research and Springhill Hospice.
Join us in wishing them the best of luck for their journey ahead!
@arcticascent2026
At his red bench, Nigel meets former professional rugby league player Keegan Hirst for an honest conversation about living with a heart condition, and how it can affect confidence and mental wellbeing.
Nigel’s life has been shaped by cardiovascular disease from a young age. He lost his older brother Kevin to a heart condition when he was just 9, and later his dad to a heart attack. Nigel himself has experienced two heart attacks.
Inspired by his own heart journey, Nigel now volunteers twice a week in one of our Bath shops, embracing a slower pace of life with his husband, Steve, and their dog, Doug.
