The Last Goodbye

When you lose a loved one suddenly to heart diseases, there’s no chance to say goodbye – to tell them how much you love them, what a great friend they are, or to thank them.

Whether it’s from heart attacks, cardiac arrests, or other heart conditions, too many of us are losing family members, friends and colleagues. It has to stop.

  • In the UK, there is one admission to hospital for a heart attack every five minutes.
  • In the 1960s, 7 out of 10 heart attacks in the UK were fatal.
  • Today, at least 7 out of 10 people survive. We’re making progress, but we need to do more.

Around 50% of heart attacks and strokes are linked to high blood pressure. Heart Research UK’s free community health checks give people the chance to have their blood pressure, cholesterol and body composition checked.

If we can reach more people, they can get the help they need before it becomes an emergency situation.

At the same time, we know that medical research works. It can find new treatments and cures. It can also find ways to diagnose conditions earlier. It is expensive, and it takes time, but it is vital to ensure that one day, together, we can create a world where there are no more deaths from heart diseases.

Below are just some of the stories of people who have lost their loved ones too suddenly. With your support, we can stop this from happening.

Heart diseases don’t care about goodbyes. Show that you do.

Immi’s story

Young woman crying

Immi lost her beloved Mum, Nici, 11 years ago. Nici died from an aortic dissection. She wasn’t at Immi’s wedding, and she never met Immi’s children.

Watch Immi’s story.

Ali’s story

Ali lost his younger brother, his best friend, Graham, aged just 26. Graham, who died from an undiagnosed heart condition, loved Manchester United, and playing the piano.

Watch Ali’s story.

Two men standing outside. One has his arm around the other's shoulders. They are both wearing kilts

Olivia’s story

Young woman wiping a tear away from her face

Olivia lost her grandma, Margaret, also known as Noonie, 2 years ago. Olivia describes her grandma as ‘a second parent’. Margaret died from a heart attack.

Watch Olivia’s story.

You can make a difference.

Your kindness today can power lifesaving medical research and fund community projects that empower people to look after their heart health.

  • Your £10 could help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of heart diseases, so that fewer people die needlessly
  • Your £20 could go towards health checks that will identify people at risk of developing heart diseases so they can get the help they need
  • Your £40 could power lifesaving medical research that will help find new treatments and cures