The silence of the night was shattered by a gentle nudge, a wet nose, and a persistent whine. Polly, a four-year-old golden retriever, wasn’t seeking a morning walk; she was saving a life. Her owner, Adam Cooke, was experiencing a cardiac arrest in his sleep, and Polly’s insistent actions woke his wife, Hannah.
Those precious seconds were critical. Hannah immediately began CPR, fueled by adrenaline and a desperate hope. Adam survived, later diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and fitted with a life-saving device to regulate his heart rhythm. Polly’s quick thinking had given him a second chance.
The Cooke family, from County Fermanagh, recently received a remarkable tribute to Polly’s heroism – a ‘Bark Hero Award’ recognizing her extraordinary act. Adam, now expecting his second child, playfully admits Polly remains “number one” in her own mind.
Hannah, accepting the award on Polly’s behalf, spoke with profound emotion. “She’s the best dog anyone could ask for,” she shared, her voice filled with gratitude. “But the best part is that we still have Adam here with us today, and our family will soon grow to five.”
The awards ceremony also celebrated the tireless dedication of Shirley West and Maureen Lemin, who have spearheaded fundraising efforts for over four decades, raising substantial funds for vital research. Their unwavering commitment was acknowledged by legendary musician Nitin Sawhney.
A deeply personal story of loss and hope was also honored – the Frost family, who established the Miles Frost Fund after losing their son, Miles, to a genetic heart condition at just 31. The fund now supports crucial genetic testing, offering other families a chance at prevention.
Wilf and George Frost, accepting the award on their family’s behalf, spoke of their devastation but also their determination to turn tragedy into purpose. They expressed hope that Miles’ death wouldn’t be in vain, and were humbled by the progress being made in cardiac research.
The event, held at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom, drew support from BHF Ambassadors like Gemma Atkinson, who shared her own family’s experience with heart disease, emphasizing the charity’s vital work. Every story resonated with a shared understanding of the impact of cardiovascular illness.
Beyond individual acts of heroism, the awards also recognized corporate partnerships. Sky Bet was named Corporate Partner of the Year for inspiring CPR training across communities and raising millions for research, while Tesco received an award for installing thousands of defibrillators nationwide.
Dr. Charmaine Griffiths, BHF Chief Executive, closed the event with a powerful message. The Heart Hero Awards, she explained, illuminate the extraordinary contributions of those fighting cardiovascular disease – a condition that claims a life every three minutes in the UK.
With over 7.6 million people living with cardiovascular disease in the UK, the need for continued research is paramount. Dr. Griffiths emphasized that every donation fuels progress, offering hope for a future free from the fear of heart disease and ensuring more families can cherish countless Christmases together.
