A young woman from Abbey Wood is asking local people to help her fundraise for the British Heart Foundation.

Sonea Hodgson, 33, has cardiac conduction disease (CCD), a serious disorder of the heart. Her condition, which was diagnosed when she was 19 years old, is very rare and Sonea is still undergoing tests and has a heart monitor fitted to help doctors understand more.

Sonea said: “My condition has had a huge impact on my life. It makes me extremely tired, so I am only able to work 12 hours a week. I can’t stand for long periods, and I have to take 9 tablets every day to control my symptoms.

“I have chosen to support the BHF by fundraising in my local community. This will help to fund life saving research, which could lead to better treatments and care for patients like me across the UK.

“The Woolwich BHF Fundraising Group needs members. We run small events such as quiz nights and walks, and would welcome any help. There are so many heart patients in South East London, and together we can make a real difference to their lives.”

BHF Fundraising Manager Karl Coppack added: “As the UK’s biggest funder of heart and circulatory disease research, the BHF relies on the generous support of the public.

"Fundraising groups like this one in Woolwich are vital, especially as there are 8,400 people living with cardiovascular diseases in Woolwich and Abbey Wood alone. The money they raise is helping to fund projects across the country and locally in South London, where we have Research Centres at Kings College and St George’s, Tooting.”

Heart and circulatory disease is still the UK’s biggest killer, responsible for 1 in 4 of all deaths. Joining a BHF group is a great way to have fun, get fit and save lives.

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