The heart-warming story behind new Ammanford park bench

It sits in Ammanford Park, just a short walk from the family home of 35-year-old Sara Kirby, who was born with Down’s syndrome and a congenital heart condition.

Her mother, Ann, said: "When you give birth, you expect to hold your baby in your arms.

"When Sara was born in January 1991 by caesarean section, she was tiny and blue.

"I only glimpsed her briefly before she was whisked away, leaving me with empty arms and my heart in my mouth.

"What was wrong with my little girl? I was absolutely terrified."

At two days old, Sara was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, and at six weeks, she was found to have tetralogy of Fallot.

She underwent open-heart surgery at age three.

Complications led to organ failure, a mitral valve replacement, endocarditis, and months in intensive care.

Despite the odds, Sara pulled through.

Ann said: "One day, as I helped her, she gave me the biggest, most beautiful smile and I just melted.

"Doctors told us she was a total miracle."

Sara later required further valve replacements and now has a pacemaker.

She lives in assisted accommodation and enjoys swimming and bowling.

Sara said: "I would like to say thank you for choosing me to represent the British Heart Foundation and for giving me a bench that I, and other people, will enjoy sitting on."

The bench was unveiled as part of the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) 65th anniversary campaign.

It is one of 65 benches placed across the UK to honour people living with heart conditions.

Ammanford Town Council has also installed a defibrillator in the park to support BHF Cymru.

Rhodri Thomas, head of BHF Cymru, said: "Sara’s story shows the true reality of living with cardiovascular disease, and we are so grateful that they are courageously sharing their experiences to help others.

"By sharing the stories of people who live with cardiovascular disease on our iconic red benches across the UK, we hope to start more conversations that change dangerous misconceptions."

To support the British Heart Foundation, visit the charity's website.