Meet our Representatives - Cat Burns

I first came across Cardiac Risk in the Young in 2008 due to the loss of one of the kindest, most big-hearted people I have ever had the good fortune to love, see grow up, and look up to since my early childhood. But I didn’t become involved in the myheart network until 2011/2012, by which time I had an S-ICD and wasn’t far off getting a pacemaker too.

I had an incredibly long road to getting a diagnosis, having started years before my relative passed away. Sadly, each time I had symptoms, I saw a doctor who dismissed me based on my age, gender and lack of high volume sporting activity (I was sporty but not a sportsperson at that time!). Even after we knew of the condition, it took two tests to get the diagnosis due to problems with the first test. Since then a lot has happened, making me appreciate my life and the chances I have been given more so than before.

I delayed getting involved with CRY or the myheart network, and a feeling that I didn’t have enough reason to do so – or that my voice wasn’t important enough to be heard.

I’m glad I took the step eventually, because most, if not all, the eclectic, talented individuals I’ve met have left a positive impression or mark and are genuinely fun to be around. They’re people who ‘get it’ – no explanation needed, no judgement. They have a slightly more robust ‘just go for it’ attitude to life than perhaps cardiologists would always like us to have; a shared sense of humour that others outside of the group may not understand; and Dr Michael Papadakis and the cardiac nurses are always great to have at meetings.

My hope is that in the future, members of the myheart network will collectively have a powerful voice, which can help others through the network and support CRY’s larger initiatives – change that is based on real need and lived experience, rather than assumptions or a 'one size fits all’ approach. We are a key part of the jigsaw and most members have been through drastic changes in their lives, including career changes because of their heart condition, but these are things that aren’t widely recognised in the public domain.

Since being involved I have raised money for CRY and the myheart network, from undertaking an open water swim (‘slight’ hiccup but a solid attempt), to a nerve-wracking but exhilarating 100m abseil, and the CRY Heart of London Bridges Walks. Along with several other myheart members, including (but not limited to) Jess, Joseph, Tim, Zenia, Emma, Rachael and Chris, I have been fortunate enough to attend the annual CRY Parliamentary Reception.

Behind the scenes, I have also supported the myheart coordinators with pieces of admin work, one of which I hope has helped CRY reach young adults via cardiac units at a time where they may feel particularly isolated (especially if ‘stuck’ on wards with support is not designed for younger people in general within cardiac services).

I am grateful to be a representative for myheart and CRY, and look forward to continuing to support the charity however best I can, despite nearly being ‘too old’ to attend any meetings!