Crossgar man is named a Heart Hero in awards

Crossgar man is named a Heart Hero in awards

25 May 2016

INSPIRATIONAL Crossgar man Declan McMullan has been presented with a top prize in the  British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland’s Heart Hero Awards.

Declan won the “fighting spirit” award category in the charity’s annual awards which recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution of individuals and groups who are fighting for every heart beat in Northern Ireland, such as heart patients who are campaigning for better services, fundraisers, partners, scientists and health professionals.

Declan was just 19 when he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at home, which has left him severely disabled, paralysed and suffering from locked-in syndrome. 

He and his family have constantly fought to raise awareness and much-needed funds to help others, and Declan has inspired and touched so many hearts online through a fund set up in his name — Declan McMullan Fund.

The Crossgar man was presented with his award by British Heart Foundation chief executive, Simon Gillespie, at a special ceremony in Belfast City Hall in front of more than 200 people. 

“Our annual Heart Hero Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution that our supporters make to our fight against heart disease and we’re delighted to recognise Declan for his amazing spirit and bravery in the face of adversity,” said Simon.

“Declan and his family have inspired so many others and it was a privilege and a pleasure to present him with this award that recognises an inspirational young person who is living with congenital heart disease.”

The young Crossgar man was joint winner of the award alongside Xenia Banega from South Belfast whose young daughter has congenital heart disease.

The recent ceremony was addressed by former First Minister Peter Robinson who spoke about his heart attack last year and Sinn Fein MLA Cathal Boylan who had quadruple bypass surgery in July last year.

Both men talked about living with heart disease and the support and encouragement they’ve had from Northern Ireland’s dedicated cardiac care nurses and doctors.