British Heart Foundation bench unveiled in Calverley Grounds
A new red bench has been unveiled in Calverley Grounds as a living monument to a local woman who survived a cardiac arrest.
Maria Smith-Tilley experienced cardiac arrest in the early hours of 8 August 2023, and was revived after her partner Jamie, and subsequently paramedics, gave her CPR.
Today, she lives with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which is a small electrical device can treat dangerous abnormal heart rhythms and prevent future cardiac arrest.
Maria’s is one of 65 benches being unveiled across the UK by British Heart Foundation, in tribute to those living with cardiovascular disease.
Maria said:
I feel honoured to have been chosen for this campaign and it’s inspiring to know that the bench will raise awareness and prompt people to find out more about British Heart Foundation and people living with cardiovascular disease.
BHF hopes that the red benches will encourage others to open up about their experience of living with cardiovascular disease, and help raise awareness across the UK.
Donate now to keep the nation beating - visit bhf.org.uk/keepusbeating
