Claire Graham - living with Tetralogy of Fallot

I went to school, where thanks to my early reading and speaking skills I excelled at most things. I was never any good at sport, though, and I suspect this has a lot to do with my heart condition. I wasn't able to run around very much anyway, but I also think that the earlier priority of reading over walking shaped my preferences. As I grew up into teenagehood it also became very apparent that I was not as strong as the other kids, and that a night out for me came round once a month or so. I just wasn't able to go out any more frequently. This disability became quite frustrating after a while, not being able to do all the things your mates can is very demoralising, and I would get quite upset about it.

However, now I'm at university studying for a PhD in Philosophy - a subject that involves a lot of reading and talking! My heart condition has shaped my life in many ways, some more subtle than others, and though it is a hindrance in many ways I like to think that its overall effect has been positive: I'm studying at one of the finest universities in Europe under one of the greatest philosophers of our time. I don't know how long I'll carry on being as healthy as I am - despite a heart murmur and a tendency to get migraines I'm as fit as I aim to be - but I have no reason to think that it won't last. For this I thank Miss MacKay and my Specialist, Dr Ian Peart at Alder Hey Hospital. I also thank my vigilant parents, who kept me from doing anything too silly over the years.

My message to anyone with a heart condition, no matter how light or severe, is to remember that for you this is normal, and it shouldn't get in the way of your life. It is a part of you, so turn it to your advantage if you can.