INSPIRING photographs of children who have undergone heart surgery are going on display to raise funds for charity.
Ashley Pendleton, an Edinburgh photographer, and Jackie Robson are holding an exhibition and silent auction, entitled My Scar My Story, in support of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and other causes.
Pendleton captured images of more than 30 children who have had heart surgeries, including her son Harris and Jackie’s daughter Faith. Heart defects are diagnosed in at least one in 180 births — an average of 25 each month in Scotland — with more diagnoses later in life.
Before the BHF existed, the majority of babies born in the UK with a heart defect did not survive to their first birthday. Today, thanks to research, around eight out of 10 reach adulthood.
The BHF is currently funding more than £70 million worth of groundbreaking cardiovascular disease research in Scotland.
Pendleton said: “Harris and Faith were both born with multiple heart conditions and we wanted to raise awareness and do everything we can to support our amazing children and other children like them who have had more challenges than they should have.
“We wanted them to feel proud of who they are and wear their scars with pride. By raising money we support them and, so importantly, raise money for research and to help the people who have helped our children survive. We are hoping to raise £3000 for our chosen charities.”
The event will take place at the Biscuit Factory on Anderson Place, Edinburgh, on Saturday, February 10, at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £15 via Eventbrite.
Gizem Fowler, BHF Scotland’s fundraising manager in Edinburgh, said: “We never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary ways people fundraise for us.”
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