A WORCESTER teenager who had to give up her beloved sports after a life-changing diagnosis has scooped a prestigious award from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
Anna Hadley enjoyed playing hockey – but, two years ago she had to give up the sport following a diagnosis of two, rare life-changing heart conditions. She is now on the list for a life-saving heart transplant.
However, rather than letting it deter her, Anna threw herself into raising thousands for BHF research – via collections, walks and even a four-day ride on her special electric bike.
This dedication resulted in Anna being awarded the Mark Lynn Young Heart Hero Award at the BHF’s recent Heart Hero Awards 2019.
Anna, aged 14, said: “I feel so honoured to have won this award – honestly words just can’t describe how happy I am. I feel so blessed to have been at the awards ceremony and to have been surrounded by so many other amazing people. I think everybody in the room – all those nominated – were winners and deserved an award.
“The highlight was meeting incredible people like Max Johnson, the young boy who inspired the organ donation opt out bill known as Max and Keira’s Law. It’s amazing to just be in the same room as inspirational people like Max.
“I’m already thinking up new ways to raise more funds for the BHF’s life-saving research.”
The Mark Lynn Young Heart Hero Award was named after Mark Lynn from Northern Ireland, who was a BHF Young Heart Hero Award winner last year. Tragically, the eight year old died just days before he was due to attend the event with his family. In his honour, the BHF decided to name the award after him for 2019.
Anna was presented with the award by Luke Pritchard, from The Kooks.
The BHF’s Heart Hero Awards 2019, which were held in a glittering ceremony in London, celebrated individuals of all ages who have shown immense strength in the face of adversity or have made a significant impact in helping those living with heart and circulatory diseases.
The event was hosted by Vernon Kay, with an array of performers and judges in attendance including Penny Lancaster, Luke Pritchard from The Kooks, The Mac Twins, Louisa Johnson and James Taylor. However, the real stars of the show were the everyday heroes, like Anna, who had been nominated.
Vernon Kay, host of the awards, said: “It was an honour to host this year’s Heart Hero Awards; it’s always a pleasure to be a part of fantastic BHF events. The night was pretty spectacular and it was the perfect tribute to the worthy nominees and winners who have all shown great courage and strength.”
Nominations are now open for next year’s Heart Hero Awards.
Visit www.bhf.org.uk/heartheroes for more.
