‘Sew’ thankful – heart surgery leads to hospital support

A talented artisan is saying ‘thank you’ to the hospital which performed life-changing heart surgery on her husband, by creating a range of heart-related handmade crafts. 

Karen Harris, from the Isle of Man, has loved craft since childhood when she learnt to sew on an old Singer treadle machine, as well as crochet, making her own clothes as a teenager.

Now a decade after Tim, her husband, underwent a successful quadruple bypass at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH), she’s decided to raise as much as she can for the hospital’s charity.

Karen said: “It’s ten years since Tim's operation, back in November 2012, and I thought it was the ideal time to show my appreciation for all the care and expertise that he received, by selling my crafts and raising funds for LHCH Charity.”

Finance officer Karen and golf course greenkeeper Tim, met through the Isle of Man TT Races. They got married in 2012 just before he started experiencing heart problems - chest pain, breathlessness, and difficulty in walking. After being referred by his GP to Nobles Hospital, Tim was told he needed a double heart bypass in Liverpool.

Karen added: “When Tim was admitted for his operation at LHCH, which ended up as a quadruple heart bypass, the team were so good explaining what to expect and making sure we understood and were comfortable with all their plans.

“Obviously no-one wants to undergo major surgery, but our experience at LHCH has been so positive. Outstanding care from everyone.

“We’re just so thankful that 10 years on, Tim is still fighting fit, without chest pain or breathlessness! He rides his motorbikes, works full time, and lives a normal life.”

If you’d like to check out all of Karen’s crafts, please visit her Loop the Loop Facebook shop: https://www.facebook.com/looptheloopiom