Cardiac Patient Gives Back & Wins Big!

A Worthy Cause

Martin plays make a smile lottery in aid of Heartbeat, a charity which raises vital funds for the premier private cardiology service based at University Hospital Southampton.

Heartbeat exists to ensure that people being treated at the Wessex Cardiac Centre are provided with the best possible care and support. Cardiac treatment is often a very long and complicated journey, affecting many people in separate ways. Their work over the years has allowed them to ensure that everybody, from patients to friends and relatives; will be supported every step of the way.

Life Saving Surgery

The Wessex Cardiac Centre supported Martin when he was diagnosed in 2018 with mild angina. A large team of consultants and nurses performed a coronary angioplasty and stent fitting in a successful day-surgery done under local anaesthetic.  This was followed up with six weeks of intensive recovery.

 “It was extremely daunting going into the operating theatre, but the cardiac team were incredible,” said Martin. “They put my mind at ease and were so professional. The level of care was second to none.”

 A Way to Say Thank You

It was not until after his surgery, however, that Martin discovered that the major procedure was not fully funded by the Government, and instead relied on significant fundraising from Heartbeat.

 Martin said: “When I was at the Cardiac Centre, I spotted a poster for the make a smile lottery. For just £1 a ticket, I could potentially win a maximum of £1,000 for a charity of my choice. This was the perfect opportunity for me to thank the Wessex Cardiac Centre, and help other heart patients by fundraising for Heartbeat. So, I signed up there and then.”

A Big Win

Martin has been playing make a smile lottery for over 4 years, and was happy to be able to give back to the charity which helped save his life. He never expected to win big.

When he received the phone call informing him that he had in fact won the £1000 prize, he was overjoyed.

“I will be spending the money on treating my wife as she has been looking after me since I had a full knee replacement on the 21st of December.”

YOU can make a difference too

If you have been affected by cardiac disease and require support, head to the Heartbeat website to find out how they can help you.

By playing make a smile lottery to support Heartbeat, you are securing their future by providing an income that they can rely on.

You don’t know what Heartbeat can do until you need them.