Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Matters of the Heart

Jason Palmer, Volunteer Trustee and Director of The Sussex Heart Charity explains what this award winning charity do to save lives in Sussex

Last November The Sussex Heart Charity (SHC) became the proud recipients of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), making them stand out as the leading cardiac care charity in the county. They have been quietly raising funds since 1987, year in year out, to support and improve cardiac outcomes for the people of Sussex.

Cardiac arrest sadly affects 28,000 people every year in the UK and tragically only 10% of people survive. For every minute of delay, the chance of survival falls. Therefore, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and access to one remains key. 

An AED can be used by anyone; no training is required. AEDs will NOT deliver a shock until the device has determined that it is medically necessary. It is worth remembering, whilst 999 is called immediately and an AED is sought - immediate chest compressions will buy time, supporting the brain by delivering some blood flow to anyone in cardiac arrest.

From when it was new and novel, to this day, SHC has supported and funded the installation of defibrillators, such as at the Amex Stadium, supporting the Sussex community attending matches and events at the Brighton Albion Football Club. Across Sussex we see almost 400 AED devices thanks to SHC. 

The SHC worked directly with Southern Rail (GTR) on a countywide five-year installation program, ‘Sussex Heart Charity Southern Railway Defib’ Project’, back in 2016, to place automated defibrillators in every railway station in Sussex. They had the support of the then Home Secretary and Member of Parliament for Hastings and Rye, Amber Rudd; MP for Lewes and current Health Minister, Maria Caulfield; and former MP for Mid Sussex, Lord Soames.

The Sussex Heart Charity has pioneered initiatives, supported projects and funded research and groundbreaking new specialist equipment.

In addition, amongst many other things, the Sussex Heart Charity has funded the first ever Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse and service in Sussex – once the need was proven and the service established – now we see rehabilitation services dotted across Sussex and funded by the NHS.

SHC was behind the first Electrophysiology Study (EPS) in Sussex – used to diagnose and correct arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).

Sussex saw its first ever dedicated Heart Failure Nurse because of SHC support; today there’s five, all funded by the NHS.

It is through awareness and the generous support received that SHC are able to make a difference and improve the lives of people with heart conditions in Sussex.

How can you help improve survival rates, services and care for cardiac patients across Sussex? By joining Sussex Heart Charity as a friend – become a regular giver or make a one off donation, consider us in your Will, leave a legacy, attend an event (register for the SHC Sponsored Walk in May 2024!) or simply sign up to our mailing list and spread the word about what we do.

www.sussexheartcharity.org

More from People

  • "I quite like to end up with a setlist that involves a catalogue of human misery..." Nish Kumar on his return to stand-up comedy

    With a brand new stand-up tour coming to the UK later this year, including a number of shows in Sussex, we talk to comedian and TV present Nish Kumar about his time on The Mash Report, getting pelted with bread rolls at gigs, and why he always looks forward to playing shows in smaller towns...

  • Pure Inspiration

    Newly opened in Haywards Heath, Inspiration Gift Shop has the perfect present for every occasion. Hanna Prince pays owner Rachel Taylor a visit to find out more

  • Creating a Dream at The Pauline Quirke Academy

    With performing arts known to play a leading role in helping children to develop many valuable life skills, we asked Lisa de Silva to meet with Florence Tingley and Rebecca Goffin to find out more about the local Pauline Quirke Academies

  • A Little Slice of Heaven

    Farming, food and leisure are the three cornerstones of Heaven Farm, where you will find all three in abundance, including the newly refurbished Butler’s Pantry. Sara Whatley reports

  • Charity: Institute for Cancer Research

    The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is striving to improve the lives of people with all types of cancer – including those with the most challenging to treat. Scientist Dr Anguraj Sadanandam explains why support for this research is vital

  • Volunteer for Motor Neurone Disease Association

    The Motor Neurone Disease Association is a charity that was established in 1979 to raise awareness, campaign for better care and support for people diagnosed with MND and their families, as Lisa Burnard from the charity explains

  • Riding to Success

    Not a coffee morning kind of couple, Alison and Henry are soon embarking on an ambitious UK tour on their 1960s scooters, all to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. Sara Whatley finds out more

  • Step out for St Catherine’s Hospice

    St Catherine’s Hospice popular Midnight Walk is bouncing back to the streets of Horsham on Saturday 8 June, Adele Trathan explains how readers can get involved

  • Homes for Ukraine: Opening Your Home and Your Heart

    As the conflict in the Ukraine continues, Homes for Ukraine scheme is still keen to hear from people that are interested in hosting a Ukrainian guest, as Paul Crompton from East Sussex County Council explains

  • The Joy of the Repair Café

    Volunteers are central to the success of Repair Cafés across Sussex, so we sent Nicola Coughlin along to Lindfield Repair Cafe to talk to volunteers about their valuable contribution

  • An Unlikely Retirement

    Hove resident Sylvia Holder tells Sara Whatley the inspiring story of how she set up her charity, The Venkat Trust, when she should have been kicking back in her retirement

  • Rushfields: Celebrating 40 Years

    As Rushfields Plant Centre in Poynings gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, James Forryan talked to founders Colin and Kathryn Langridge about the keys to their longevity and what they’ve learned over their 40 years in business

  • Interview: Comedian Connor Burns brings his Vertigo tour to Sussex

    With his new touring show Vertigo about to arrive in Sussex, we talk to Scottish comedian Connor Burns

  • A Double Dose: Interview with Michael Mosley and Clare Bailey

    Husband and wife health gurus Dr Michael Mosley and Dr Clare Bailey are on a mission to bring healthy eating and living to the masses. They talk to Sara Whatley about their upcoming tour and the health benefits of eating a Mediterranean diet...

  • You've Got a Friend

    Mid Sussex charity Befriended has grown so much since it’s beginnings in 2017. Gail Miller tells Sara Whatley what they have been up to

  • Charity: Community Transport Sussex

    Community Transport Sussex is an unlikely hero, but one that plays a crucial role in connecting local communities, Marie Claire Macintosh explains more about this valuable service

  • Mat Osman: A Record of Creativity

    Local boy, founding member of the band Suede and now author, Mat Osman speaks to Sara Whatley about creativity, his brother Richard Osman and making people cry

  • Six Facts You Might Not Know About Robert Smith

    Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…

  • Six Facts You Might Not Know About Dame Julie Walters

    Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…

  • Six Facts You Might Not Know About Piers Morgan

    Whether they’re born or bred, or put down roots in our beloved county, Sussex is full of famous celebrities who’ve either made their start or got involved in our community - each week we take a look at one of these fascinating figures…