On the 8th November 2024, Tiny Tickers turned 25. To celebrate this milestone, we awarded 25 people for their contributions in the field of congenital heart disease (CHD).
Our entire team has been touched and inspired by all the nominations from our supporters. You can read all about the incredible award winners below.
Stephen and Carina Hoskisson
Stephen and Carina tragically lost their beloved daughter, Eadie, to CHD in 2015. They have since created an far-reaching legacy for her.
Last year, to mark Eadie’s tenth birthday, they carried out an entire year of fundraising. Eadie’s Big Ten, made a significant impact, not only to the work we can carry out, but also in providing hope and support to other families. From the Three Peak Challenge, to cake sales, hikes, half-marathons and Eadie’s Birthday Ball, their efforts are truly extraordinary and inspirational.
Dr. Ramana Dhannapuneni
Heart surgeon, Dr. Ramana Dhannapuneni, was nominated by heart parent, Clare.
Clare told us that, without his exceptional care, her daughter Ivy would not be here today. Dr. Dhannapuneni’s efforts to make the family’s hospital visits more comfortable, and his clear explanations, made a significant difference to their experience, making them feel valued and understood.
Dr. Dhannapuneni’s compassion extends globally, as he performs heart surgeries in developing parts of the world, offering hope and life-saving care to children who otherwise would not have access to such medical expertise.
Linda Atkins
Linda lost her granddaughter, Ruby, to CHD in 2015. She is committed to raising funds and awareness for CHD, and is one of Tiny Tickers’ most dedicated and longstanding fundraisers.
For ten years, Linda has been a beacon of hope and strength, channelling her grief into a powerful force for good. Her tireless efforts in fundraising, spreading awareness and involving her community have made a phenomenal impact on our charity.
Dr. Pravin Desai
Dr. Desai was also nominated by heart parent, Katie, who highlighted his exceptional dedication and care as a cardiac doctor.
Katie shared how Dr. Desai consistently checks in on patients, even when their issues are not cardiac-related, reassuring them and making them feel at ease, even coming to work on his days off. His advocacy for heart children, to ensure they receive the correct care, is truly inspiring.
Kate Williams
Nurse, Kate, was nominated by the parents of baby Freya, who she cared for following Freya’s heart surgery.
We were so touched by the nomination, which highlighted the incredible care Kate provided to baby Freya, and included copies of some of the heartfelt letters she wrote ‘from Freya’ during her night shifts, to keep her mum and dad updated on what had happened during the night.
Kate’s thoughtful updates, combined with her humour and warmth, created cherished memories during a challenging time, helping Freya’s parents immensely.
Hannah Harvey
Hannah provided exceptional care to the daughter of the heart parent who nominated her. While the family was on Cardiac Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (CPICU), Hannah’s unwavering support, through exceptionally difficult times, left a lasting impact.
Alex Lopes
Sonographer, Alex, was nominated by a colleague after she picked up a subtle difference in a pulmonary valve at a 20-week scan—despite the 3VT view showing normal proportions. This diagnosis of pulmonary valve stenosis at such an early stage is an incredible demonstration of her expertise, vigilance and commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for babies with CHD.
Aisling McGeady
Ailsing, a paediatric cardiac nurse, has made the world of difference to the heart parent who nominated her. Her care and dedication exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a healthcare professional.
Marisa Paterson
Marisa, who tragically passed away in 2018, was nominated by her daughter, Shannan, for her commitment to raising funds and awareness after losing her daughter, Bella, to CHD, when she was nine months old.
Marisa’s advocacy work was instrumental in bringing about change. She bravely shared Bella’s story at the House of Commons, highlighting the importance of pulse oximetry testing at birth.
Amy Tarr
Amy, a very special heart aunt, was nominated by her sister, Jenna. Not only did Amy provide endless support to Jenna and her family (especially heart hero, Max and his brother, Lennox) she has also fundraised to help more heart families. Jenna expressed that she cannot imagine how she would have coped without Amy’s support and continued love.
John and Grace Martin
John, heart dad to Sebastian, and his daughter (Sebastian’s sister), Grace, were nominated for their cycling fundraiser to raise essential funds for pulse oximetry machines.
Their efforts enabled machines to be placed in local hospitals, where they are making a daily difference in detecting heart conditions in newborn babies.
Dr. Ola Elmasry
Dr. Elmasry was nominated by a heart parent, Hannah, who shared some deeply touching insights into the positive impact she had on their family.
Dr. Elmasry diagnosed Hannah’s daughter with a life-threatening heart condition when she was just ten days old, and her professionalism and caring nature were evident from the start. For the next six months, she continued to support the family, helping them navigate the challenges of having a very sick baby. Sadly, Hannah’s daughter passed away when she was six months. Hannah recalls how deeply this loss impacted Dr. Elmasry, and the comfort she provided.
Ian Kayinamura
Ian was nominated by heart parent, Emily, as he detected her daughter, Bella’s congenital heart defect during her 20-week scan, enabling life-saving treatment from birth. His professionalism and compassion gave Bella a chance at life, and her family will forever consider him their hero.
Kelly Vanjour
Nominated by heart parent, Emma, Kelly’s fierce advocacy and unwavering support helps families feel at home during hospital stays. She went above and beyond to help Emma’s family during their hospital stay, and continued to support the family after Daisy’s tragic passing. She continues to check in with them years later. Her compassion is unforgettable.
Hannah Hought
Heart mum, Hannah, has raised thousands for Tiny Tickers. She created The Rose Charity Ball which took place in February 2024 and will beheld again in 2026. Her other fundraising efforts include cake sales and park runs. Hannah’s passion for awareness and fundraising has inspired her local community and made a lasting impact for heart families.
Dr Lindsay Hunter
Dr Hunter was nominated by heart mum, Nicola, due to her care and support for their family over the past nine years. Her ability to inform without overwhelming, and her deep connection with patients, makes her an exceptional and trusted figure in their journey.
Ashley Wood
Ashley’s instinct saved his newborn son’s life when he noticed abnormal breathing. He’s since raised over £3,000 for Tiny Tickers through a 12-hour bike ride and become a passionate advocate for CHD awareness and learning.
Dr Sumit Bokhandi
Dr Bokhandi diagnosed Oakley’s AVSD at just 10 days old and has supported his family with empathy and expertise ever since. Nominated by Oakley’s mum, Savanna, for his follow-up care, open communication and personal approach, he has made a lasting difference for the family.
Yvonne
NICU nurse, Yvonne helped save Naomi’s newborn son’s life by recognising the signs of CHD and ensuring immediate treatment. She also cared for Naomi with extraordinary kindness, and continued to check in even after the family transferred hospitals.
Dr Martin Farrier
Dr Farrier supported Oliver’s family through his son, Francis’ CHD diagnosis and continued to be there for his family after Francis tragically passed away. He delivers ongoing care with compassion and clarity, and his continued involvement shows his deep commitment to heart families.
Eve
Midwife Eve was nominated by Katie, after she spotted signs of CHD in newborn Violet during a routine postnatal visit and acted immediately. Her calm presence and support for the whole family during a critical moment helped save Violet’s life and gave Katie the confidence to always trust her instincts.
Jessica Moore
Clinical Psychologist, Jess was nominated by Gemma for her extraordinary support throughout her journey as a heart mum and bereaved parent. From Gemma’s son Mabon’s surgeries to the heart-breaking moments after his passing, Jess offered emotional guidance, practical support and unwavering compassion. Her continued care through the Tiny Tickers Bereavement Support Group has brought comfort and connection to many families navigating grief.
Dr. Arul Narayanan
Dr. Narayanan was nominated by Becky for his exceptional care and dedication to her baby Artie, who was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot at just three days old. Dr. Narayanan performed life-saving procedures, checked in personally (even outside of working hours) and offered constant reassurance, helping Becky manage severe anxiety and trust issues. Humble, kind and deeply committed, Arul is a true hero to the family and a credit to his profession.
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