Charity launches campaign to share untold stories of adults living with ‘half a heart’

An innovative Graphic Medicine project is turning real experiences into illustrated stories - amplifying the voices of adults with single ventricle heart conditions.

Based in Birmingham but working across the UK, Little Hearts Matter is launching Heart//Work, a new project bringing to life the often-hidden experiences of adults living with ‘half a heart.’

Created in partnership with US-based design strategy firm verynice, this is their first international collaboration.

The project paired Little Hearts Matter members with illustrators to produce nine-panel comics exploring what “energy” means when living with half a working heart.

Little Hearts Matter is the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting those affected by single ventricle heart conditions.

Since 1994, it has provided awareness, resources, and a strong community.

“With Heart//Work, we wanted to give our adult members the chance to tell their stories in their own way – unfiltered, authentic, and creative,” says Lisa Davies, CE of Little Hearts Matter.

Lucy White (pictured), 20, from Birmingham, shares her experience of leaving university due to deteriorating health.

“Turning that into something visual and meaningful felt empowering,” she says. “I hope others with single ventricle hearts see themselves in it and know they’re not alone.”

“These stories are raw, nuanced, and deeply human,” says Rebecca Ramirez, Project Manager at verynice. “Comics break down barriers—suddenly, a medical condition becomes a story anyone can engage with.”

View the project HERE.