Innovative Graphic Medicine project turns real experiences into illustrated stories, amplifying the voices of adults with single ventricle heart conditions (‘half a heart’)

Based in the Midlands, but working across the UK, the Little Hearts Matter charity is taking a bold new approach to storytelling with Heart//Work, a Graphic Medicine project bringing to life the real, often hidden, experiences of adults living with single ventricle heart conditions.

Created in partnership with US-based design strategy firm, verynice, this project marks the company’s first international collaboration. It matched Little Hearts Matter members with professional illustrators to produce nine-panel comics exploring what “energy” truly means when living with half a working heart. These comics explore how energy management intersects with study, work, relationships, and self-worth – painting a vivid picture of what life really is like with a life-limiting condition.

Little Hearts Matter is the only charity in the UK & Ireland dedicated to supporting and empowering anyone affected by the diagnosis of a single ventricle heart condition (or ‘half a heart’). Since its inception in 1994, Little Hearts Matter has played a crucial role in advocating for awareness, providing resources and offering a supportive community for individuals and families affected by this condition.

“In our community, energy isn’t just about how tired you feel. It’s about planning your whole life around limited capacity – physically, emotionally, and mentally,” says Lisa Davies, CE of Little Hearts Matter.

“With Heart//Work, we wanted to give our adult members the chance to tell their stories in their own way – unfiltered, authentic, and creative. It’s about dignity and recognition. These are stories that deserve to be seen and heard.”

Each comic is deeply personal. Lucy White, a 20-year-old from Birmingham, tells the story of having to leave university after her health deteriorated; “That was one of the hardest times of my life,” Lucy shares. “But turning that into something visual and meaningful felt empowering. I hope others with single ventricle hearts see themselves in it and know they’re not alone.”

Hannah Bradley, 22, from Glasgow, focuses her comic on reframing the condition – not as a limitation, but a lens for growth; “It’s so easy to dwell on what’s hard,” she says. “I wanted my story to show that there’s beauty in how we adapt and thrive, even if it’s not in the way we originally imagined.”

Stephen Bull, 40, from South Wales, used his comic to reflect on his childhood love of travel and the journey of growing up with a heart condition. “Sharing my story in this way felt really powerful,” Stephen says. “It’s important for younger people with single ventricle hearts to see that there’s a future ahead of them. I wanted to show that living well as an adult is possible.”

Peter Atwal, 41, from Wolverhampton, viewed the project as a much-needed opportunity to challenge assumptions. “I felt this was a great way to help people understand what we go through just to get from one day to the next,” Peter explains. “So often, people look at us and say, ‘but you don’t look ill.’ Through this project, we can shift that narrative to something more compassionate – like ‘how can we make it easier’?”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Lucy, Stephen & Hannah