A Heartfelt Tribute in Shrewsbury

By the riverside near Shrewsbury’s English Bridge, where trees and blossoms frame the scene, stands a vivid red bench. This bench carries more than just a golden plaque; it symbolizes a living memory. Dedicated to Faith Harrison, 24, from Little Minsterley, it marks her survival of a seven-hour heart attack at age 22 in January 2024.

“When people sit on the bench, I want them to embrace life, pursue their passions, and feel courage to step outside their comfort zone,” Faith said.

The bench is part of a nationwide initiative by the British Heart Foundation, celebrating its 65th anniversary with 65 installations across the UK. These benches are designed to spark conversations about heart health and encourage openness about personal experiences with cardiovascular disease.

Faith’s Journey: From Athlete to Advocate

Previously a personal trainer, bodybuilder, and weightlifter, Faith’s life took a dramatic turn during her heart attack. Doctors removed a blood clot blocking 90% of an artery, calling her survival a miracle. Though she no longer practices her favorite exercises, she now runs her own pilates studio, established after the incident.

Despite not residing in Shrewsbury, the bench’s placement near her business holds special significance. “My studio is just around the corner, so it makes sense for it to be here. The view is beautiful, and it’s a space to reflect on gratitude and shared experiences,” she explained.

“It’s not just about me. The bench represents everyone living with cardiovascular disease, reminding people that life is a precious gift,” Faith added.

A recent survey of 2,000 UK adults with heart conditions revealed that over half have faced stigma or embarrassment due to their illness. Faith relates to this, having been questioned about her health after her heart attack was widely reported. “People often associate heart attacks with older individuals, especially men who are overweight. When I was diagnosed with a congenital condition, I received a lot of skeptical inquiries,” she recalled.

Yet, Faith transformed these moments into opportunities for education. “I used the scrutiny as a way to inform others about heart defects, showing that this illness can strike anyone regardless of age or lifestyle,” she said.

A Community Effort

Zoe Roberts, the British Heart Foundation’s fundraising manager for the Black Country, Staffordshire, and Shropshire, highlighted the project’s purpose. “We aim to create a platform for individuals to share their journeys with cardiovascular disease, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding,” she noted.

Roberts shared how Faith’s story caught their attention. “Faith’s resilience and willingness to contribute made her an ideal candidate for this initiative. She’s not only a heart hero nominee but has also engaged in fundraising, collaborated with the CEO, and even traveled to London to speak to groups,” Roberts praised.

Each bench is tied to a person living with heart or circulatory disease, serving as a reminder of the shared struggles and triumphs. Faith’s bench is a testament to that, inspiring others to embrace life fully and recognize its value.

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