Feel Good Friday

A special Feel Good Friday today as one of our young members, Hannah (20, TGA and DIOLV) has written a brilliant blog post for LHM about what it's like having half a heart. (As part of our Handmade Hearts series, LHM’s young members talk about life with half a heart. To learn more about Handmade Hearts, click here.)

LHM trustee Hannah Palmer has written a blog post about how growing up with half a heart has made her who she is today.

"Being a part of Little Hearts Matter has made an amazing impact on my life. I’ve met some amazing people, who I’m pretty sure I’m going to be friends with for life, I’ve learnt a lot more about my heart than I learnt from the Doctors and they’ve given me so many amazing opportunities. Because of them, my Dad and I carried the Olympic Torch, I spoke in the Houses of Parliament and this March they, the members and people in charge, gave me the most amazing opportunity. They elected me to become a Trustee for the charity, the youngest and only member with a Heart Condition and I am going to make them all proud of me."

Click here to read it in full.

You can help LHM to continue supporting children and young adults with half a heart this October by making your very own #handmadehearts. For more info on how to get involved click here. Make, Bake, Sew and Sell for children with Handmade Hearts. To donate to LHM please text MADE14 followed by a £ and the amount to 70070.

Feel Good Friday

A special Feel Good Friday today as one of our young members, Jack (20, HLHS) has written a brilliant blog post for LHM about what it's like having half a heart. (As part of our Handmade Hearts series, LHM’s young members talk about life with half a heart. To learn more about Handmade Hearts, click here.)

HLHS hasn't stopped Jack from opening his own business, winning a Young National Campaigner of the Year Award and raising thousands of pounds for LHM. Jack talks about how he hasn't let his condition define him, and how life is what we make it.

"Turning 21 and enjoying life to the full, I always think about this: life is what we make it. It’s our own decision to choose what and who we want to be. Life is tough, and for people like myself, it’s a little tougher. Yet I choose that my condition won’t get in the way of what I want to do."

Click here to read it in full.

You can help LHM to continue supporting children and young adults with half a heart this October by making your very own #handmadehearts. For more info on how to get involved click here. Make, Bake, Sew and Sell for children with Handmade Hearts. To donate to LHM please text MADE14 followed by a £ and the amount to 70070.

Feel Good Friday

A special Feel Good Friday today as one of our young members, Lucy (16) has written a brilliant blog post for LHM about what it's like having half a heart. (As part of our Handmade Hearts series, LHM’s young members talk about life with half a heart. To learn more about Handmade Hearts, click here.)

Lucy's school have been extremely supportive in accommodating her needs and making her feel as comfortable as possible. She talks about what it feels like to be a 16 year old with half a heart and how her school have helped her along the way.

"There are many ways that my heart affects my everyday life. Sometimes I feel as if I’m on a see-saw, trying to balance my lifestyle just right. I am 16 years old, entering my final year of school and doing my GCSE’s, so I thought that I would reflect, and tell you about my life in school.

When I changed from primary school to secondary school, it was a big shock to the system. One difference I found was actually having to explain my heart condition to people. That was one thing I never had to do in primary school, as it was in a small village and everyone just knew. However, when I entered first year, everyone wondered about me. People noticed that I had a classroom assistant, and I stayed inside at break and lunch. I remember the first break time, a lot of other students came up to me and nervously asked why I was different. I tried to explain it the best I could, but it was something I’d never experienced. On a lighter side, I did get some funny replies. One girl picked up on the ‘half a heart’ phrase and she asked me, ‘Can you not love properly?’ You may get some shocked and confused responses, but some people do make it seem funny, and over the years your peers get used to it."

Click here to read it in full.

You can help LHM to continue supporting children and young adults with half a heart this October by making your very own #handmadehearts. For more info on how to get involved click here. Make, Bake, Sew and Sell for children with Handmade Hearts. To donate to LHM please text MADE14 followed by a £ and the amount to 70070.

Feel Good Friday

A special Feel Good Friday today as one of our young members, Sophie (17, HLHS) has written a brilliant blog post for LHM about what it's like having half a heart. (As part of our Handmade Hearts series, LHM’s young members talk about life with half a heart. To learn more about Handmade Hearts, click here.)

Sophie was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and has written about becoming more independent and setting her own limitations, as well as being stubborn when people try to tell her that she might be able to do things because of her condition. Sophie is hoping to go to University next year and study Psychology. 

"When people say, “Tell us something interesting about yourself”, I often wonder what their reaction would be if I were to say, “I have half a heart”… So, what’s it like living with a handmade heart? For the most part, it’s absolutely fine- I just get on with every- day life, and often forget that there’s something wrong with my heart. The main things I have to keep an eye on, is strenuous activity and the cold.

There are certain times when I feel worried or get upset about my heart. Every so often, there are situations where I may not be able to do something, for example go paintballing with my friends, or get my ears pierced. Although on the grand scheme of things, these are minor things to get upset about, it still hurts. "

Click here to read it in full.

You can help LHM to continue supporting children and young adults with half a heart this October by making your very own #handmadehearts. For more info on how to get involved click here. Make, Bake, Sew and Sell for children with Handmade Hearts. To donate to LHM please text MADE14 followed by a £ and the amount to 70070.

Winter Warmers

The weather has really turned this weekend! We have been so lucky over the summer but it looks like it is time to get the winter woollies out. Keeping warm when you have only half a heart is always a challenge. Over the years, the LHM team have collected together lots of tips that may give you ideas to keep warm. 

Poor circulation (movement of blood around the body) and an inability to exercise to keep warm cause problems when you have a single ventricle heart condition. Often your feet and hands feel like ice and your lips go blue very quickly when the weather is cold.

Pile On the Clothes.

Lots of thinner layers are better than one thick one, as they trap and warm air. Go back to buying vests; lots of shops have good thermal ones! Put tights on under trousers and put socks on top. Yes even you boys! Batman wears tights! Find a hat with earflaps and nice thermal gloves. Try the local ski shop, they have gear especially designed for very cold weather.

Warm Up From the Inside.

Have hot cereal for breakfast; warm the morning drink of milk. Make hot chocolate or tea for snack time. Have soup with a sandwich for lunch and plan warm snacks throughout the day. Remember that you need food little and often so you'll be helping your diet and keeping warm.

Cover Those Noses.

Remember scarves or a balaclava can help keep those noses warm.

Snug in Bed.

Onesies with extra socks can help when the duvet slips. If it's really cold, think about using a sleeping bag.

Sore Lips.

Prevent sore lips by using lip balm or simple Vaseline.

Runny Noses.

If a runny nose persists, talk to your parents about getting advice from your health visitor or the GP. It might develop into an infection.

Useful Products

Click here to go to LHM's Useful Links page, which contains details of products for keeping warm which you may find useful.

Remember to send us any new ideas and tips and we will highlight them with our other young members!

Feel Good Friday