Football legend David Seaman MBE and over 200 supporters came together to shine a spotlight on hidden heart conditions and their impact on the nation every day.
Creating a giant heart, one hundred and eighty seats were left empty in a crowded stand at Crystal Palace F.C. in London, to represent the number of lives lost in the UK to coronary heart disease each day – one every eight minutes. British Heart Foundation ambassador David Seaman, who himself lives with a heart condition, was at the centre of the striking image to support their Spotlight On campaign, raising awareness of hidden heart conditions ahead of World Heart Day on Friday 29 September.
Seaman, who lives with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation said; “Heart disease is one of the world’s biggest killers and the worst thing is that you often don’t know you have a problem until it’s too late. Over 200 people have given their time to support this campaign, with each empty seat representing a lost fan, a lost heart, an unfinished ending – it’s been a very poignant moment to be part of.
“For the football community and beyond, the British Heart Foundation’s lifesaving research offers hope to those impacted by heart disease. By shining a spotlight on heart disease this September, we can bring hidden heart conditions into focus and fund research breakthroughs to prevent more families living with that gaping hole left by the loss of a loved one.”
David Seaman also talked to supporters who took part and had been directly impacted by hidden heart conditions . One of those was social media content creator, Casey Barker from Brighton.
The 28-year-old said: “I wanted to get involved and help raise awareness as I had a heart attack 9 months ago, which came as a real shock. Initially when I turned up at the hospital, no one could believe I was having a heart attack at the age of 27. I wanted to get involved with this to help raise awareness of just how huge the impact of heart conditions can be and support the British Heart Foundation work towards a different ending for people affected by these conditions.”
Help turn the tables on heart disease
BHF Chief Executive, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, said: “This striking image of a heart shaped hole illustrates the tragic loss felt by families across the UK each day due to coronary heart disease. The lives of our loved ones are often taken too soon by hidden heart conditions, and this needs to change.
“That’s why we’re putting a spotlight on these conditions to raise their profile and fund ground-breaking research that could save and improve more lives. We urgently need more support and whatever you can give, it’s all going towards turning the tables on heart disease for good.”
