Charity remains at the “heart” of the  Dorset Community for 30 years

Heartbeat has had cause for celebration as it reaches a very special milestone this year.

The leading cardiac charity is marking its 30th birthday, having spent the last three decades transforming the quality of care and support for the region’s heart patients.

Within eight years of its launch, more than £5 million was raised for projects aimed at improving cardiac care. Today, the total amount has reached nearly £20 million, thanks to the dedication of not only Heartbeat’s loyal and passionate team, but also the incredible fundraising efforts of the public.

Heartbeat tirelessly works towards providing vital funding, as well as specialised equipment, services, and facilities to assist patients undergoing treatment at the Wessex Cardiac Centre, resulting in almost 10,000 heart patients and their families benefiting from the charity’s support each year.

Heartbeat has also spearheaded several major initiatives that have helped shape patient’s cardiac journeys. Its most well-known project is the opening of its 25-bedroom “home from home,” Heartbeat House, in 1995. The house, located just two minutes away from Southampton General Hospital, provides a comfortable place to stay for the families of patients at the hospital as well as offering respite and support.

In 1998, the charity opened the Heartbeat Suite, a small conference facility on the cardiac unit, followed by the opening of E1 Ocean Ward in 2001 by the then Earl and Countess of Wessex, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. In 2006, the state-of-the-art Heartbeat Education Centre was established, and Heartbeat House underwent a significant refurbishment and extension, following the £60 million capital development of the Wessex Cardiac Centre at the University Hospital Southhampton, creating a greater need for the facilities at Heartbeat House. During the same time, a separate annex was created at the house to provide young families with their own space, with some funds coming from Ronald McDonald House Charities.

2015 saw the opening of Ward E2 for YACU (Young Adults Cardiac Unit), opened by the now Duchess of Edinburgh.

Adding a touch of sparkle to its 30th anniversary celebrations

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Heartbeat will showcase the very best of Broadway and the West End at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, on Sunday 17th September 2023 – FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY.

This glittering extravaganza will provide a unique evening of entertainment while raising awareness of the regional heart charity.
Mark Ind, Chief Executive of Wessex Heartbeat, said: “Musicals from the Heart is a unique collaboration between the Mayflower Theatre, Heartbeat, and performers from Broadway and the West End.

“Produced by stage star Earl Carpenter, this fantastic evening will showcase the very best musical theatre songs performed by top Broadway and West End theatre performers, accompanied by musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are selling fast, so book now to avoid disappoint and let’s make sure we all raise the roof for Wessex Heartbeat.”

Tickets are priced from £16.50 and can be booked here: https://www.heartbeat.co.uk/Event/musicals-from-the-heart