I recently visited Orla’s Bench, which you can find opposite Lancaster Maritime Museum overlooking the River Lune.
The British Heart Foundation is marking 65 years of lifesaving research with its Keep Us Beating campaign, unveiling 65 red benches across the UK, each dedicated to someone living with cardiovascular disease.
Our local bench is dedicated to little Orla Wray, who was diagnosed at just one week old with a rare, life-threatening congenital heart condition. At only 21 months old, her story is a powerful reminder of the incredible strength shown by families across our community and the importance of continued investment in heart research.
Thank you to the British Heart Foundation and to Orla’s family for allowing her story to be shared in such a meaningful way.
If you’re passing along St George’s Quay, I would encourage you to visit Orla’s bench, take a moment and reflect on the lives touched by cardiovascular disease as well as the research that helps keep hearts beating.