27th November 2025
From Open-Heart Surgery to Conquering 100km
At just a few months old, Ellie’s parents received news no family is ever prepared for – she had been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. Their tiny baby, still discovering the world, would soon face an enormous challenge.
By the age of two, Ellie underwent open-heart surgery to repair a Partial Atrio-Ventricular Septal Defect. The procedure was a success, offering her a chance to grow and experience life like any other child.
However, doctors warned that as she got older, another surgery would be necessary.
Despite yearly hospital check-ups and the looming prospect of future intervention, Ellie embraced life to the fullest. She surrounded herself with loved ones, pursued her passions, and refused to let her condition define her.
For two decades, her heart remained strong enough, allowing her to enjoy all the moments that make life so special.
But at 22, Ellie found herself at a familiar crossroad her second open-heart surgery was now inevitable. This time, a shunt was required to repair a leaky valve.
The uncertainty was overwhelming. How would she recover? How would she navigate life post-surgery? Fear and nervousness crept in, but Ellie knew she had a choice: to let fear consume her or to channel it into something meaningful.
Determined to turn her journey into a force for good, Ellie chose the latter. On November 27th 2024, Ellie underwent her second open heart surgery and said,
“I am forever indebted to them for caring for me and fixing my heart not once but twice!”
Driven by her experience, she was inspired to support others on similar journeys, turning her challenges into a force for positive change. Ellie has challenged herself to take on 100km through running, walking and cycling.
Inspired by the care she had received, Ellie embarked on a mission to raise funds and awareness for patients just like her who rely on life-saving cardiac care. Reflecting on her journey, she said,
“Every week, 12 people under the age of 35 die due to an undiagnosed heart condition and I am lucky enough for mine to have been detected and fixed. I would love to raise money to help Royal Brompton Hospital keep saving other children and adults just like me.”
Ellie’s journey embodies courage, resilience, and the strength of community, all driven by a vision for a brighter future. Support patients like Ellie by donating to the Winter Appeal.
Your Donations support more patients like ellie
ENDS
Notes to editor
For further information please contact:
Jacqueline Nortman, Head of Marketing & Communications
About Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity
Founded within the UK’s largest centre for heart and lung care, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital Charity provide specialist clinicians, academics and researchers with the funding, equipment and resources they need to better prevent, diagnose and treat heart and lung conditions.
We bring together world-class experts in medicine and research to uncover the answers we desperately need to change the tide of these life-shattering diseases. We can help make breakthroughs that ensure every patient gets the best possible treatment.
Give the gift of hope this winter. Because behind every diagnosis is a family just like yours
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