Community Spirit & Heart Health at Southall Parkrun
A huge well done to the 150+ runners, joggers and volunteers who joined us early on 28th March at the Southall Parkrun! The crisp, sunny weather set the perfect tone for an incredible turnout that truly celebrated the power of community. There was a real buzz in the air, bolstered by Heartlink providing water bottles to all the runners to ensure everyone stayed hydrated from start to finish. A dozen of our wonderful Heartlink volunteers ran a hugely popular stall with many runners stopping for booklets and a chat.
A highlight of the morning was the unveiling of the new ‘British Heart Foundation Red Bench’ in Southall Park. Dedicated to local runner Bill Lonsdale, the bench encapsulates a personal journey through diagnosis, treatment and recovery, reflecting the reality of living with a heart condition. It serves as a meaningful addition to the park and a powerful reminder of the vital importance of heart health awareness in our community. CLICK HERE to see the full BBC News Story about Bill.
The Power of Movement
This event highlighted how vital regular physical activity is for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a heart health patient, staying active is one of the most effective ways to improve long-term wellbeing. By fostering healthier lifestyles through movement and encouragement, we don't just feel better individually, we also help reduce the long-term pressure on our vital NHS services.
Special Thanks to:
• The Southall Parkrun Team for their warm welcome and partnership.
• Chana Chemist for supplying the electrolytes that kept our participants going strong.
• Kuldeep for the legendary fruit flan—the perfect motivation to cross the finish line!
The Southall Parkrun is a regular event every Saturday starting at 9am in Southall Park next to the Uxbridge Ed.
Thank you for making the morning so special. Let’s keep moving together!
Diet & Your Heart
Another well attended meeting of members and supporters heard an informative and relevant presentation about diet and heart health from one of our key partners. Emmy West is a Cardiac Dietitian at the Cardiac Health And Rehabilitation Services with Imperial NHS Trust, and is based at our local Hanwell Health Centre.
Emmy highlighted four key ways in which diet affects our health, covering cholesterol, blood pressure, protective nutrients and weight.
She took us through which foods are particularly helpful for each of these issues, for example substituting vegetable oils in the place of butter, ghee and coconut oil . She highlighted the difficulty of avoiding too much salt as so much is already in the foods we buy, and we have to be careful to check the details on the labels.
As we know, healthy weight loss is not easy and best achieved by long term lifestyle changes including changes to diet and exercise habits. She warned us about the volume of misinformation about diet that we all encounter, particularly online, and gave us a list of websites which provide good reliable information.
Many attendees had attended the Cardiac Rehab Course in the past but found it very useful to be updated. There were a lot of important and relevant questions from the large audience, which Emmy addressed. We are very grateful to Emmy for giving up her time to give us such a useful talk.
A copy of her full presentation, which Includes all the useful links can be found by clicking HERE.
A video of Emmy giving us her presentation can be seen just below.
Heartlink Success at Acton and Hanwell Rehab Sessions
Heartlink recently participated in the Imperial Heart Rehab programs held in Acton and Hanwell and we are thrilled to report that both sessions were a resounding success. The events offered a fantastic platform to highlight our ongoing commitment to helping those managing heart conditions and to showcase the vital work Heartlink does within the community.
We are also incredibly grateful to the Imperial College Rehab team for their valuable support and the trust they place in us to be part of these important sessions. This collaboration demonstrates the powerful impact that collective effort can achieve in fostering a positive and motivating environment for all participants.
The turnout was incredibly encouraging with many attendees eager to dive deeper into our initiatives and find ways to get involved. Beyond the clinical aspects of rehabilitation, these gatherings served as a meaningful space for building relationships, sharing mutual support and increasing public awareness. The sense of unity and motivation among everyone present underscored just how much can be accomplished through a shared dedication to cardiovascular health.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers; Sunny, Kuldeep, Mohinder and Isha for their hard work in signing up new members. Their efforts ensure our community stays informed with the latest news and resources. We would also like to recognise Isha, our newest member for her invaluable support at both events. Her contribution made a real difference and together these efforts continue to strengthen the Heartlink community.
Coping with a Heart Attack
At our March meeting Dr Pamela Kaushal, who is an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist at a nearby NHS Trust, talked to us about ‘coping with a heart attack’ and gave a range of useful advice about the pressures and worries caused by heart conditions. Her talk was attended by a packed room of 60 Heartlink members and supporters and chaired by Heartlink Vice Chair, Sunny Chana. If you missed her talk you can catch up by viewing the video below.
She started by getting us to join her in a few minutes of silent mindfulness to help relieve immediate anxiety. She then explained very clearly how some of the symptoms many of us suffer from, particularly after heart treatment, can be caused by our worry and stress. This can include palpitations, sweating, difficulty sleeping, shortness of breath and even chest pains. It is vital to become familiar with and practise useful coping routines to take our minds away from the immediate anxiety. For heart patients suffering from stress it is important to keep immediate treatments to hand including aspirin and a GTN spray. The availability of these can help get us out of panic attacks.
She told us that, after heart attacks more than 50% of patients suffer from depression, and she stressed how important it is for people to seek help for this via their GP, who can refer them for assistance.
Dr Kaushal dealt with a range of important questions from the audience and stayed to talk to the individual members afterwards. Sunny extended our thanks and appreciation for her helpful talk and we presented her with a thank you gift.
Dr. Sethi talks to Heartlink Members and Ealing Worshippers
Despite torrential rain, over 50 members and supporters of Heartlink attended our February educational seminar at Ealing Hospital to hear one of our Trustees, Dr. Amarjit Sethi, speak on the rising rates of cardiovascular deaths in people under 65.
Dr. Sethi is a leading and highly experienced cardiologist, working across several London hospitals including Ealing Hospital, and, as a Heartlink Trustee, he helps guide our charity’s work in supporting heart health awareness and patient care.
He explained the growing number of cardiovascular deaths and outlined the standard modifiable risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. He highlighted how many lives could be saved by improving treatment for these conditions.
Dr. Sethi also addressed additional contributors to heart health problems, including unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet, excessive alcohol intake, physical inactivity, obesity, and stress. Genetics, pollution, and socioeconomic factors also play a significant role.
He emphasised simple steps everyone can take to reduce their risk and discussed the potential for future improvements in treatment through technology and AI.
A lively discussion followed for nearly an hour, with many heart patients providing positive feedback on the session. You can
view his presentation by clicking here.
Just 10 days later, as part of the Heartlink Outreach programme, Dr. Sethi delivered a similar talk to a large audience at Ealing Gurdwara, taking time to respond to questions from attendees.
You can see a video of his talk below.
These events highlight how Heartlink actively supports local patients and raises awareness of heart health in our communities.
Beyond talks, Heartlink’s outreach work includes delivering educational presentations, running volunteer information stalls with BHF and other resources at community events, and maintaining permanent booklet displays at multiple public locations.
Christmas cheer for members and patients
Heartlink members and volunteers had a very busy run-up to Christmas, with many successful events where we celebrated together and visited patients and the local community.
On Wednesday, 17th December, our growing band of Wednesday Walkers made their way from Greenford Hall to the Mylett Arms in Perivale, where they all enjoyed a delicious Christmas carvery meal together. It was a wonderful occasion to celebrate a year of healthy and enjoyable Wednesday walks.
The following day, despite the monsoon rain, over fifty of us enjoyed our Heartlink Hub Christmas party at our regular venue on the Greenford Southall Borders. It was a great opportunity to socialise and relax together. We were very lucky that our long-time supporter, Councillor Mrs Mohinder Midha, and her group brought delicious samosas to add to the sandwiches, snacks, cakes and drinks already available. We finished the event with a raffle and music.
Eighteen of those who attended these events helped us run our stall at the Ealing Broadway Christmas market the following Sunday, raising heart health awareness. We received a good reception from shoppers, many of whom donated much-needed funds and took leaflets and advice booklets.
Finally, at Christmas itself, our hero and Trustee Gary LaTouche, Ward Manager on the Ealing Hospital cardiac ward, distributed gift packs, which we had prepared for those heart patients who had to spend their Christmas in hospital.
Heartlink Trustees join us for Christmas Celebration
A packed room of Heartlink members were very pleased to be joined by a full complement of our six medical trustees at our Christmas Dinner at West Middlesex Golf Club on the evening of 11th December.
On this very happy and celebratory occasion we were treated to an excellent traditional Christmas meal prepared and served by Danny and his team. After the delicious meal there was a great opportunity to meet up with old friends, socialise and in many cases to thank one or more of our Trustees for the care they have provided to us as patients.
Our Trustees are Professor Kooner, Cardiac Consultants Dr Nabeel Ahmed, Dr Amarjit Sethi & Dr Harmandeep Singh, together wth Gary La Touche, Ward Manager on the Heart Ward at Ealing Hospital and Barbara Byrne, the Lead Nurse for Ealing Community Heart Failure Service.
We were treated to some short inspiring speeches from two of our other honoured guests and supporters, Councillor Mrs Mohinder Midha, ex Mayor of Ealing, and Jags Sanghera, Chair of Southall Community Alliance, as well as from Dr. Harmandeep Singh and our President Professor Kooner. They all underlined the importance of what we do to support local patients and raise heart health awareness.
The evening rounded off with our traditional Christmas raffle which raised over £300 for Heartlink funds. As well as our Trustees, guests and members, a big thank you to our Committee Members who planned and organised the event, and made sure it was a huge success on the evening.
See MORE PHOTOS HERE
Busy December for Heartlink volunteers
Our brilliant Heartlink volunteers have been busy in the run up to Christmas, supporting local heart patients and out in the community giving people help and advice to reduce their heart health risks.
A small team went on their regular visits to see recovering local patients finishing their six week Cardiac Rehabilitation Courses. The sessions are held at both Acton Leisure Centre and Hanwell Health Centre. We told them about Heartlink and invited them to join other heart patients at our various activities, and got an excellent response with some already involved.
We were very pleased to be invited to run a stall at the pre Christmas fair held inside David Lloyd Health Club in Heston one Saturday. As you can see we got a fantastic reception. Many of their members expressed considerable interest in learning about heart health with a good number wanting to join or help us.
While running our regular information desk sessions at Ealing Hospital, we were pleased to give out a thank you gift of biscuits for each of a number of hospital staff teams who help us and support us in our vital work at the hospital.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers and a particular shout out to Kuldeep, Malek and Bachitar.
Warm welcome at Southall’s Abubakr Mosque
Heartlink made a great impact at a huge gathering of worshippers at Southall‘s Abubakr Mosque on Friday 24th October. Heartlink Trustee and Ealing Hospital Heart Consultant, Dr Nabeel Ahmed, arranged the invitation and addressed the entire congregation about the importance of heart health and how to reduce health risks, just before Jummah prayers.
Meanwhile a team of our volunteers ran an information stall in the Mosque entrance, giving out British Heart Foundation booklets and Heartlink information leaflets, including some in Urdu. Such was the interest, that by the time we finished we had no booklets or leaflets left.
We were pleased to meet two good friends of Heartlink at the Mosque, Deputy Mayor Councillor Faduma Mohammed and Ealing Council Cabinet Member, Councillor Jasbir Anand.
We would like to particularly thank the Mosque and Iman Nuuman Mahmood for the invitation and the warm welcome. We must also thank the owner Mr Faisal and manager Mr Yusuf from Gifto Restaurant across the road, for their warm hospitality afterwards.
Vaccinations for heart patients at the Hub
At our Community Hub on 16th October we were fortunate to be visited by our friends the Pharmacy Team from Southall Pharmacy.
Many of our members, most of whom are heart patients, took up the offer of flu or Covid vaccinations given by the Team.
Taking up our entitlement to these vaccinations is important to us as heart patients,
as we are particularly vulnerable to complications arising if we catch flu or Covid.
The vaccinations were given after a packed hall of members & supporters had taken part in the regular chair yoga exercise session led by the popular Mr Chana. While those attending chatted and had refreshments, the Pharmacy team carried out the vaccinations and then offered blood pressure checks to our members. The vaccinations were given based on individual’s eligibility in line with NHS criteria, and full records of each vaccination were taken by the Pharmacy Team to be forwarded to the relevant GPs for adding to patient records.
All members who are entitled to them and have not done so,should
take up their vaccinations as soon as possible as the autumn/winter season of flu and Covid is getting underway.
A huge thank you to Anish and his team from Southall Pharmacy.
Heartlink AGM – building a healthier future
At our Annual General Meeting on 2nd October, Heartlink members endorsed plans to strengthen our activities to support local heart patients and to develop new heart health initiatives for the wider local community.
In his keynote speech, Dr Harmandeep Singh, Heartlink Trustee, spoke about the vital impact that Heartlink has in tackling the high levels of heart health problems locally. He spoke passionately about the difference it has made to many patients, including those on the Hospital Cardiac Ward, to be able to share experiences with other heart patients and to become part of a supportive local group.
He emphasised our key role in the local community in providing reliable, accurate information about heart health, given the volume of misinformation, particularly on social media. He encouraged us to develop our own material, such as podcasts and short video clips, to set up our own Heartlink social media presence in the next few months. He also wants us to do more to encourage local people to have basic heart health checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
The well attended and enthusiastic meeting reviewed our work and finances for 2024, elected a committee for the next year and endorsed six key local cardiac specialists as Trustees of our charity. Our programme was endorsed by 70 members and key local supporters, including Cllr. Polly Knewstub, Ealing Council Cabinet Member for Healthy Equal Lives, and Cllr. Mrs. Mohinder Midha, ex-Mayor of Ealing, and long -time Heartlink supporter.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
September's Heartlink meeting was lucky to be treated to an excellent overview of hypertension (high blood pressure), it’s causes, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what we can do about it ourselves. The talk was given by Dr Jamie Kitt, Consultant Cardiologist and General Internal Medicine Physician at Ealing Hospital, and was attended by over 50 members & supporters.
Dr Kitt explained that blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against arteries as it is pumped by the heart. Hypertension is a huge worldwide problem affecting one in four men and one in five women during the course of their lives. If untreated, it causes major complications such as strokes, kidney disease as well as heart attacks. It has a range of causes, some of which are genetic or caused by medical conditions, but mostly it is caused by factors in our own lives that we can try and address. Some drugs for other conditions can also result in raised blood pressure.
Dr Kitt told us how to take accurate blood pressure readings using a home monitor and explained that concerns start for readings on average above 140/90, and rise when readings get even higher. He explained the different drugs used to treat hypertension and how they work, but he emphasised that patients can also do much to help themselves, for example by moving and exercising, by having a positive outlook, by eating wisely and by connecting with others.
There was a lively discussion about many aspects of high blood pressure, as many in the room suffer from hypertension, and Dr Kitt dealt with many questions. The importance and simplicity of regularly taking your own blood pressure was stressed, and it was also underlined that pharmacies offer a free blood pressure testing service. Dr Kitt talked about the vital role of groups like Heartlink in helping people understand more and learn how to deal with high blood pressure. Feedback to the session from those attending was extremely positive.
A copy of Dr Kitt’s presentation can be viewed HERE.