The UK charity for patients with heart valve disease, Heart Valve Voice, has marked its 10th anniversary.
Since registering as a charity in 2014, Heart Valve Voice has championed the voices of patients, ensuring their stories, experiences, and needs are front and centre in the conversation around heart valve disease, the organisation says in a press release.
The charity has empowered individuals to become advocates for themselves and others, helping to shape better policies, improve diagnostic pathways, and increase awareness of this often-overlooked condition, it adds.
“We have achieved so much in these past 10 years, but none of it would have been possible without the courage and passion of the patients who have shared their stories, stood up for better care, and inspired others to take action,” said Phill Read, chair of Heart Valve Voice. “This is their celebration as much as ours. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we know there’s still so much more to do. Heart valve disease is treatable, and with continued determination, we can make sure that everyone gets the care they deserve. Together, with the unwavering support of our patients and partners, we can shape a future where every patient gets the right treatment at the right time.”
Heart Valve Voice executive director, Wil Woan, adds: “Milestones like this are often a time to reflect on what has gone before, and I feel an immense sense of pride looking back at all we have achieved in our first 10 years as a charity. From bike rides to abseils, to evidence sessions in parliament, throughout the breadth of our work there has been one constant, our incredible community of patients. Their determination to change lives is at the heart of all that we do, and as the community grows so does our capacity to affect change. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the next 10 years.”
As Heart Valve Voice celebrates its 10th anniversary, it has extended its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to its mission. From the patients who have shared their journeys to the healthcare professionals who deliver life-changing care, this milestone belongs to all who have supported the cause.
To mark the decade anniversary, Heart Valve Voice hosted a day of patient workshops, discussions, and a q&a session with special guest and charity ambassador, the Olympic medal winning runner Roger Black, coinciding with the first day of PCR London Valves 2024 (24–27 November, London, UK).
