Heart defect survivors exhibition opened

An exhibition of photographic portraits of adults who were born with a heart condition has opened today, to mark Congenital Heart Defect awareness week.

Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health Jamie Hepburn opened the ‘Scarred FOR Life’ exhibition this morning at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

The portraits of people with CHD, taken by fashion and portrait photographer Kirsty Anderson, are designed to raise awareness of how being born with heart conditions impacts on adult life, and to change the perception of scars.

Hepburn said the exhibition was “very moving” and showed the human face of congenital heart disease. “The good news is that thanks to the advances in technology, and access to specialist treatment and support, more people than ever before are living long and happy lives with CHD. I hope that this exhibition will go some way towards raising awareness, and promoting a better understanding of a disease that some people might not be aware of.”

Dr Liza Morton, Scottish campaign manager for adult heart charity the Somerville Foundation, is one of the models in the pictures. “My scars mean that I was born with a heart condition. They map my survival. We hope this campaign makes people more aware of the condition, the charity and the huge challenges we face – physically and mentally - especially as many of these adults require unique, lifelong care and support,” she said.

CHD Awareness week runs till Saturday. It is hoped the exhibition will then transfer to other venues. 

Read Holyrood’s profile interview with Morton from last year here.