The Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science (LCCS) celebrated world heart day by lighting up landmark buildings in the region and carrying out heart health checks for the public.

The LCCS joined forces with the NIHR Clinical Research Network North West Coast to host a heart screening event at the Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool.

Then later in the evening the activity in the seaside town continued when young heart patient Alba Butler illuminated one of the UK’s most famous landmarks to raise awareness of heart disease.

Alba, who is now four, from Thornton Cleveleys, Blackpool, was given just a 50 per cent chance of survival when she was born with transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a rare condition where the arteries leaving the heart are the wrong way around.

But four life-saving operations later, Alba is now able to live her life like every other four year old, only needing to return for checks at Blackpool Hospital every six months.

And as the UK marked World Heart Day, Alba was keen to do something in her own little way to raise awareness.

Alba said: “I love Blackpool and I love seeing the Tower – I am so excited to get to turn on the lights and see the Tower red for this special day!”

Alba’s mum, Alejandra, added: ”World Heart Day is an occasion we celebrate every year in our family. It’s a chance to acknowledge the bravery of all those who have and continue to battle with coronary heart disease every day. Most importantly it’s a day to raise awareness of heart disease in all its forms and to make everyone aware and to prompt people to get checked out even if they have the slightest symptom. 

“This year we are super excited to be a part of World Heart Day especially with this event taking place in our home-town of Blackpool. Alba is ecstatic to be lighting up Blackpool to honour all heart warriors affected by heart disease.”

Alba received life-saving surgery just hours after she was born at Liverpool Women’s Hospital in November 2017. She was later transferred to Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool for open heart surgery to correct the position of the arteries at just eight days old.

The brave little girl then went on to suffer serious complications including sepsis and pneumonia but was able to go home for her first Christmas.

The complications at her birth ultimately led to Alba returning to Alder Hey Hospital the following year, where she remained for three months.

Alejandra and dad, Danny, were initially told they would never conceive naturally and were on a waiting list for IVF when they discovered they were 10 weeks pregnant with their miracle baby Alba. It was during the 20-week scan at Blackpool Victoria Hospital they were told their baby girl had TGA and would have a 50 per cent chance of survival.

Aaron Edgar, Senior Attractions Manager at The Blackpool Tower, said: “Alba’s incredible story highlights the importance of routine check-ups and treatments, and as we light up for awareness this year we hope to encourage others to make themselves aware of the symptoms and causes.  

“We couldn’t think of anyone more inspiring to do the honours here at The Blackpool Tower this World Heart Day than Alba, a young girl who despite all the odds is living life to the absolute full.”

World Heart Day, created by the World Heart Federation, aims to not only spread awareness of the conditions individuals have to live with, but to inform people of the actions that can be taken to prevent and control cardiovascular disease.

The federation says at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke can be avoided by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, diet and physical activity.

Professor Deirdre Lane, Community Engagement and Involvement Lead at Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said: “The burden of cardiovascular disease in the North West is very high, with people in this region living shorter lives than the national average and spending a greater proportion of their lives living with disability and poor health.

“This World Heart Day we are encouraging people to “do their part, to care for their heart” by setting themselves a realistic and achievable goal to help improve their heart health, such as becoming a bit more active, eating more fruit and vegetables, stopping smoking, eating less sugar and salt and cutting down on alcohol. We know it isn’t easy but making a change like this can make a big difference to your health and protect your heart.”