New British Heart Foundation bench on Madeira Drive celebrates local heart survivor

A striking new British Heart Foundation red bench has been unveiled today on Madeira Drive, celebrating the survival of a local teenager whose life was saved by CPR at just seven years old.

The installation marks the city’s part in a major nationwide campaign honouring 65 people across the UK whose lives have been transformed by British Heart Foundation‑funded research.

The bench shines a spotlight on a remarkable young person from the city. He suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at school aged seven and survived thanks to the quick actions of a staff member who had only been working at the school for two days and immediately stepped in to perform CPR.

The installation has been delivered by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Projects Team, who have been working closely with the British Heart Foundation. The team supported the charity in identifying a suitable location and coordinating installation on Madeira Drive. The project has been funded through the British Heart Foundation’s national programme.

Launching on 16 January 2026, the British Heart Foundation’s national campaign features 65 survivors from across the UK in a major TV and digital series alongside 65 commemorative benches in their hometowns.

A tribute to life-saving research

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Every three minutes, someone in the UK dies from cardiovascular disease, which is why the British Heart Foundation’s work, and the stories at the heart of this campaign, matter so deeply. 

"Having had a successful life saving open heart surgery myself last summer, this issue is particularly personal to me. 

"This bench on Madeira Drive is a tribute not just to one remarkable young survivor in our city, but to the power of quick action, CPR training and lifesaving research. We’re proud to support the British Heart Foundation in celebrating their work which continues to save lives."