Bench tribute at Durham Cathedral marks Darlington heart survivor

The bright red bench, on the banks of the River Wear, honours Alexandra Ellis, now 34, who lives with heart failure caused by a congenital defect only discovered at the age of 12.

Recalling her diagnosis Ms Ellis said: “When a cardiologist scanned my heart, it was immediately clear that something was wrong.

Alexandra Ellis on the bench which is a ‘living tribute’ to her (Image: Supplied)

“They discovered an atrial septal defect and explained that the right side of my heart, along with the arteries leading to my lungs, was under such severe strain that it was close to collapsing.”

Shortly afterward, she underwent open heart surgery in 2003.

Miss Ellis said the surgeon told her that without intervention she might only have had months to live.

She said: “I consider myself incredibly fortunate that I experienced symptoms early enough for it to be detected.

“The experience of surgery was profoundly lifechanging, demanding strength and maturity.

“Physically, it meant facing a major chest incision, broken ribs, and a long recovery surrounded by tubes and wires—followed by challenges like MRSA infections and reconstructive surgery.

“Though it disrupted the normal expectations of childhood and schooling, it ultimately led to a supportive new environment where recovery, resilience, and growth could take root.”

The bench is part of a British Heart Foundation (BHF) campaign marking 65 years of the charity.

Sixty-five red benches have been installed across the UK, each commemorating a person living with cardiovascular disease.

Ms Ellis said: “I feel deeply honoured to be part of a campaign that celebrates not just surviving but embracing life during heart failure.

“This bright and beautiful bench is more than a seat – it’s a beacon of hope and resilience.

“When I first saw it, it lifted my spirits and brought a genuine smile to my face, and I hope it does the same for everyone who uses it.

“My hope is that this bench will continue to offer comfort, joy, and a reminder that even in challenging times, brighter days are ahead.”

Ms Ellis is among dozens who have shared their stories on camera for the national BHF campaign.

The campaign aims to highlight the realities of cardiovascular disease, which currently affects more than eight million people across the UK.

A recent BHF survey of 2,000 adults living with cardiovascular disease revealed that 55 per cent have felt judged or embarrassed about their condition.

One in three said they had encountered people who believed their illness was self-inflicted.

The research also found that around half (48 per cent) had experienced difficulties in personal relationships, while two in three reported challenges with their mental health.

Ms Ellis said: “Having open-heart surgery at such a young age was a life-changing experience.

“It taught me resilience and the importance of appreciating every moment.

“There were times when I felt self-conscious and struggled to adjust, but with the right support and care, I found strength and hope.

“What felt overwhelming at the time has given me a deeper appreciation for life and the people who stood by me.”

The BHF hopes the benches will raise awareness and encourage people to talk openly about living with heart and circulatory conditions.

The charity is also calling for donations to help fund further research.

Ms Ellis said: “I am deeply grateful for the advances in medical technology that made it possible to repair my heart defects.

“Yet, after three open-heart surgeries, I now live with heart failure—a life debilitating disease that underscores the urgent need for more funding and scientific discovery.

“This is a daily challenge, and my dearest wish is that the British Heart Foundation continues to be supported, so that people like me can look forward to enjoying life further, watch my children grow, and enjoy new experiences.”

The BHF funds research into treatments for inherited heart muscle diseases and the use of artificial intelligence in diagnosing and predicting heart conditions.

Current projects include the CureHeart programme, which aims to find cures for inherited heart muscle diseases, as well as work using AI to help predict heart attacks up to a decade in advance.

The charity is also exploring wearable technology to improve the detection of hidden heart rhythm problems.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive at the BHF, said: “Alexandra’s story shows the true reality of living with cardiovascular disease, and we are so grateful that they are courageously sharing their experiences to help others.

“Despite being one of the UK’s biggest killers, our new findings show cardiovascular disease is still misunderstood or not taken seriously – and that those living with it face judgement and challenges.

“By sharing the stories of people who live with cardiovascular disease on our iconic red benches across the UK, we hope to start more conversations that change dangerous misconceptions.

“Research will help us save and improve more lives, but the only way we can fund the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow is thanks to the public’s generous donations.”

To support the BHF and help fund lifesaving research, visit bhf.org.uk.