4 years ago, my little sister Sam, a type 1 diabetic, (Tallulah, Archie and Otis's Aunt) had a heart attack. Since then, she had triple heart bypass surgery and 3 further operations, and now lives with heart failure. During this time, she has worked hard to manage her multiple conditions, and became aware of, and now works with, a wonderful charity called The Pumping Marvellous Foundation who support people like her across the UK and beyond who live with heart failure on a daily basis. She is also currently waiting an iron infusion following blood tests for iron deficiency, a significantly common condition for heart failure patients.

Heart failure can turn your world upside down and life can feel like an uphill struggle, like the one I will face as I endeavour to reach the summit of Mount Snowdon.  The idea is that during the climb I will be experiencing the exhaustion and breathlessness that people living with heart failure  do every single day.

On the climb up 1,085m to the summit, myself and the other climbers will be accompanied by the fit friends and family of other heart patients, a film crew from Blackboard Productions, a team of heart failure specialists including cardiologists, gps, nurses, former S.A.S., ex marines and even a camera drone!.

Whilst the heart failure patients (known as the Marvellous Four) remain at the base station, the Parallel Hearts climbers', vital signs will be monitored to compare the impact of this test of endurance with a weaker, damaged heart at rest.

Heart failure patients can suffer from fatigue and breathlessness, even at rest, as their hearts need to work harder to fulfill the body's requirements.  But improved self monitoring in partnership with healthcare teams, and positive support can improve patient's quality of life. The Parallel Hearts Appeal hopes to help and encourage patients and their support networks be the best they can be - the support of a vibrant, encouraging community goes a long way!

The film 'Reaching New Heights for Heart Failure' will be premiere in spring 2018, and beyond that hopes to reach new hearts, via the digital airwaves across the UK.

The Pumping Marvellous Foundation, know, first hand, about the positive impact of peer-to-peer and family support and the power of creating strong communities.  They are able to powerfully motivate, inspire and lift spirits. Imagine the positive effect of a huge body of supporters cheering you on every day to achieve great things - to go beyond expectation, to pass the difficult milestones, to keep going!

As a young and dynamic charity, Pumping Marvellous rely on the generosity and kindness of supporters to help serve the UK’s heart failure community.  Donations provide vital contributions to enable heart failure patients to access the practical and emotional help and support they need, when they need it most.

Please make a difference and help Sam and I, the Marvellous Four and the Parellel Hearts team, have a positive influence on people living with heart failure. 

Thank you

Lucy Ace

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