Five Siblings Lost to Heart Disease Ann Hartley Shares Her Powerful Mission to Save Lives

Ann Hartley has faced heartbreaking tragedy, losing five siblings to what she calls the “evil” of heart disease. Now, at 76, the retired carer from Cheadle is turning her pain into purpose, urging others to take their heart health seriously and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for life-saving research.

The devastating journey began with her sister Suzanne, a mum of six who passed away unexpectedly at just 39. “She went to hospital with a tummy complaint,” Ann recounted to the Manchester Evening News. “By the time doctors discovered it was her heart, it was too late. She looked like an alien – yellow, with tubes coming out everywhere”, reported by the Manchester Evening News.

Tragedy struck again with her sister Sandra, 52, who died of an aneurysm, and her brother Danny, just 40, who collapsed and died suddenly while leaving for work. “Three deaths in four years—it wasn’t easy,” Ann said.

Her brother Henry, 59, succumbed to coronary thrombosis following a battle with cancer, and her sister Linda, 61, passed after years of declining health due to poor circulation and heart issues.

Despite these losses, Ann, who has outlived her half-siblings, sees genetics as a clear factor. “The five who died are all half-siblings, whereas I’ve managed to live to 76,” she explained.

Determined to make a difference, Ann now dedicates her life to raising awareness about the genetic risks of heart disease. “If your parents or grandparents had heart disease, you must get checked out,” she urged. “It’s a simple 10-minute blood test at the doctor’s—it could save your life.”

Since 2008, Ann has raised over £401,000 for the British Heart Foundation through collections in pubs and clubs across the North West. Her goal is to reach £500,000 by her 80th birthday. “I couldn’t just sit and do nothing after losing my siblings,” she said. “If it could buy my brother a heart, I’d be out every night collecting.”

As Christmas approaches, Ann is encouraging others to join her mission. “Hold a raffle, raise funds, get kids involved—let them understand how important heart health is,” she said.

With her story, Ann hopes to inspire others to act. “Heart disease is an evil disease. Don’t take your heart for granted—it could save your life and the lives of your family.”