Our Team

I am both delighted and humbled to have been appointed as the new CEO of Heartbeat, a role I took on from John after his eight-year tenure, on Friday 17th February 2023.

At the end of 2022, I was approached to take over as CEO of Heartbeat, something I had always been keen to do at some point in my career.  Having a congenital heart patient, Alexander (Alex), as a son gave my family (wife and daughter, Susie and Holly respectively) and I great insight into the incredible work that the Wessex Cardiac Unit at University Hospital, do and generated in us a desire to fundraise.  Annually, over the past 20 years - covid pandemic aside - we have held a charity event in aid of (Wessex) Heartbeat and raised over £150,000 to help fund projects and purchase cardiac equipment. Alex is now 24, and despite undergoing four bouts of major open-heart surgery amongst other things, has just graduated at Winchester University as a Physiotherapist, and is now working in a private practice in New Milton; our daughter who has had to endure much trauma herself due to Alex's suffering, has just gained her first Human Resources Manager role - we are very proud of both.

I look forward greatly to building on the great work that John and the amazing team have done over the past few years and raising the profile event more of this great charity to ensure we continue to raise money for Heartbeat House and to fund event more pioneering cardiac projects.

Nicola joined the charity in 2015 as a qualified accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting and financial management. Started her career in Practice she gained a wealth of experience in accounting and audit before moving into industry and now specialising in the charity sector. Nicola has an eye for detail and accuracy which she uses to strengthen and fortify the Heartbeat accounts department.

(aka Tina 1) Tina is our longest standing team member and over the years since she’s been with the Charity, she’s built a network of local contacts within community who regularly support our events. She is known for staging events such as balls and golf days with flair and organises our popular annual Heartbeat Cycle Sportive and more recently the 30th Anniversary Show at the Mayflower "Musicals from the Heart".

Tina has been an incredible asset to the team with her knowledge and devotion to her role as Events and Corporate Manager, but has recently been promoted to Head of Operations. She will be overseeing the rest of the team and the running of operations.

(aka Tina 2) joined the charity in 2018 and has over 30 years of fundraising experience and is well known for putting on some of the largest balls in the event calendar, normally catering for around 500. One of her proudest moments, was to be in the final of the "Pride of Britain" awards 2015.

Working three days a week, Tina says she hopes that she makes a difference with her input. Having lost her mum to heart disease, she knows how important every penny is, to help those cardiac conditions.

Tina has also recently had an incredible promotion to become Head of Business and Donor Development. She will be driving the charities income and revenue growth, while continuing to build relationships with donors and supporters.

Tanya recently joined in May 2023 with over nine years' worth of volunteering and fundraising experience. Stepping into her role as Community Fundraising and Marketing Manager, she has really hit the ground running with events and building relationships in the community due to her bubbly personality. Tanya continues to grow these, while promoting the extraordinary pioneering projects that we support and fund, while hosting many events ranging from Quiz and bingo nights, to Drag Queen and Hypnotist evenings.
With Tanya bringing incredible and exciting new ideas to the table, keep your eyes peeled on our community section.

Living with a pacemaker for the past 14 years, this has provided her with first-hand knowledge of how important the projects and appeals that Heartbeat fund, are to all cardiac patients and their relatives. This is what drives her passion and motivation to do her role.

If you would like to become a volunteer, fundraise for us or would like to host a fundraiser, then get in touch with Tanya today!

Patrick joined the team in February 2024 as an Events & Corporate Fundraising Coordinator, after graduating with a 2:1 in Event Management from BIMM University, Brighton. Patrick has planned and executed fundraising events since childhood, having hosted music festivals, seasonal events and, during the pandemic, variety live stream shows named; ‘A Celebration of Isolation'.

Patrick has always cared about giving back to the community and using his skills in event planning to boost spirits for people experiencing difficulties and raising funds to help generate a better tomorrow. He enjoys the challenge of finding new, imaginative ways to fundraise and his ambition is to help Heartbeat in their quest to prevent, rehabilitate, provide equipment and funds, educate and support those in need.

Jenny is a pivotal figure in the Wessex Heartbeat team managing day to day administration, including inputting donations responsible for our many Challenge Events and ensuring behind the scenes efficiency that enables her colleagues to get on and do their jobs. As all our team members do, Jenny turns her hand to anything needed.

With a warm personality and a passion for Heartbeat House, Ali makes sure everything runs perfectly. The House is kept up to standard and all guests are warmly welcomed and supported during their stay.

Mark's friendly personality ensures a warm welcome for all who stay at Heartbeat House. Mark is responsible for all the property maintenance in the House and garden as well as giving Ali a helping hand. Not only is he handy with a drill or screwdriver but also an iron too!