Patient Ambassadors

Brenda received her TAVI in 2012. Since her treatment she has been a passionate supporter of heart valve disease, speaking at conferences in the UK and oversees, talking to the media and volunteering her time at events. A prolific writer, Brenda completed a PhD since being treated.

Livvy was treated for heart valve disease in 2021. Since being diagnosed she has used her experience to help others by speaking in the media and in parliament, as well as contributing blogs and video blogs where she documented her valve disease journey.

Julie received her aortic valve replacement in 2021. Since being treated, she has supported Heart Valve Voice on digital campaigns, and appeared in national media discussing her experience of valve disease treatment.

Victor was treated for mitral regurgitation, but while the disease never caused him any inconvenience, it was a later bout of endocarditis that made Victor realise things were more serious than they seemed. Since treatment, Victor has volunteered for Heart Valve Voice at events across the country and currently helps run his local Ticker Club.

Angie Martin was treated for heart valve disease in 2020 - her second open heart surgery after being born with a hole in her heart. Since her treatment, she has helped secure changes to NICE’s clinical guidelines for heart valve disease, spoken in Parliament about her experience and been a champion of mental health support during valve disease treatment.

Unknown to David, his aortic valve had been under stealthy attack from bacteria, caused by a condition called endocarditis. David received a minimally invasive keyhole procedure to replace his aortic valve and enjoys life to the fullest.