Emma Green’s personal heart health story actually started before she was even born. Her father Matthew tragically lost his own mum when he was only 13. She died very suddenly following a sudden cardiac arrest, and Emma remembers growing up, how birthdays and Mother’s Day were always difficult and very emotional for her beloved dad.

Then, just four days after Christmas in 2019, Emma’s own life was turned upside down when Matthew himself died following a cardiac arrest at home, in the middle of the night. Emma was just 15 when this happened and her younger brother was only nine years old. Left grieving and picking up the pieces, Emma then went to suffer two years of terrifying blackout episodes before almost losing her own life - and then finally getting some answers as to what was happening to her, and what had happened to her dad and grandmother.

Emma is a truly remarkable person who has been through more in her two decades than many people will face in a lifetime. But, as she tells Sarah Marsh, she is absolutely determined that her story be used to help others. And she’s determined to tell Matthew’s story for the same reason, especially because he’s not here to do it himself.

BHF is committing to saving lives and giving everyone more time with the people they love. From revealing the hidden dangers in our DNA, to designing better diagnostic equipment, to exploring new targets for future drug development, BHF-funded research into Long QT Syndrome could help achieve that goal.

And BHF is also committed to sharing stories of heart patients, and their family members and carers, to ensure people going through something difficult know they’re not alone. Visit: www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport to find out more. You can also find many real stories by searching online for BHF’s Heart Matters Magazine.

As a charity, the British Heart Foundation depends on the generosity of donors to continue carrying out our lifesaving research. Thank you to all those who already give. If you too would like to donate, you can do so at bhf.org.uk/donatepod

Meanwhile, if you've got any questions or concerns about your heart or circulatory health and want to talk with a cardiac nurse on the BHF’s free Heart Helpline, go to our website at bhf.org.uk/hearthelpline where you’ll find all the contact options. And if you’d like to share your own heart story or have any thoughts on this episode, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at, thetickertapes@bhf.org.uk

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