Claire’s heart beats for others

WESTVILLE’S Claire Lister is a determined woman with a lot of heart to share as she prepares to run in the gruelling The Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Half Marathon for those who can’t.

The 30-year-old was born with congenital heart disorder with seven malfunctions of the heart.

Her surgeon, Professor Robin Kinsley, launched the The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa and, since its inception in April this year, has performed four free life-saving surgeries.

Claire was born with a hole in each of her heart’s four chambers and this allowed the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to mix.

Her aorta and pulmonary artery were crossed and she was born without a spleen.

Kingsley performed two open heart surgeries, alongside two others, on Claire.

Knowing the positive impact the surgeries had on her life, she was only too keen to step up to the plate and help raise much-needed funds for those less fortunate.

“Without the big operation, I would have died. I had one hole in my heart left that was closed recently and, because your blood is mixing, everything always looked blue. Kids and teenagers don’t understand that and I was very self-conscious about it. Just being able to participate in things at school, or even something as simple as being able to walk up stairs without having to stop, is a life-changer,” said Claire.

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Each surgery costs more than R400 000 and Kinglsey offers his services pro bono for each of the surgeries performed by his NPO. It is the countless other costs that are incurred during the operation that need to be covered.

“I emailed him and said I would love to somehow get involved and raise some money,” said a beaming Claire.

“What people don’t know is that CHD is killing more children than childhood cancer is as its either not detected or the surgery is done too late.”

In the build-up to the event, the avid athlete has continued to rack up mileage on her legs and trains between four to five days a week. Her long runs range from 10km to 15km, while the shorter distances are spread between 5km and 8km.

“You don’t know someone has a heart problem, it is a struggle. I have to stop and take a breath and you have to learn to read your body. There are little things that people don’t see as your scars are covered. I hope that by doing this I can also show parents of children with CHD they can live ‘normal’ lives,” she said.

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