A Laois mother who discovered she had a rare heart defect now supports other people in similar circumstances.

Ballaghmore mother Olivia McLoughlin Sweeney had open heart surgery earlier this year, and was inspired to volunteer to help others like her. 

She participated in an Irish Heart Foundation programme to help others who have suffered cardiac problems and stroke - and is now a fully-fledged Patient Champion.  

"I'm a Dub' living in Laois, and I haven't been well for the last two years. I thought that I had a blockage- I found out that I have a very rare heart defect that I was born with, they think it is congenital," Ms Sweeney explained to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"I was googling about the Irish Heart Foundation and when I saw that the opportunity arose, I applied to become a Patient Champion," she said.

The mother of teenagers said she was 'terrified' when she became unwell.

"I was terrified when I got sick, I turned 50 last October and I was so pissed off, I felt I was too young to be diagnosed, it was my biggest fear," she said.

"My kids are aged 30, 27, 20, 19 and the youngest is 13- they have to go to the UK to be tested for the defect too. The chances are slim, as it only affects 0.44% of the population," Ms Sweeney said.

"Mark Redmond in the Beacon hospital was my doctor, it was a very quick process. I also have heart disease, hereditary from my father. It all just runs down the line, it's just bad luck. My life will always be different."

The Laois mother says that the Irish Heart Foundation was a great support to Ms Sweeney while she went through her own battle, when she was paired up with Patient Champion Paul McGarry.

"I was so nervous, my youngest was only 13," Ms Sweeney admitted.

"Paul was a great support and so was my nurse. I am recovering well and I'm nearly there! I'm currently coming out of my own psychotherapy degree," she said.

"I decided to become a Patient Champion to give back the help I myself received. I have the chance to do that now. When I was being put to sleep for my surgery, I was terrified that I wouldn't wake up. As soon as I woke up in intensive care, I said, 'right, game on'."

Ms Sweeney praised the charity and her healthcare team for their support.

"My cardiac nurse, Pauline the manager, they are all brilliant. We have a WhatsApp group where we share things and the support has been brilliant," she said.

"Staff don't get enough credit. Services in this country are so stretched, the Government need to pull up their socks and look into women's cardiac health. You need to shout for it," she said.

The brave Ballaghmore woman's goal for the upcoming new year is to establish a cardiac support group for Laois.

"It can be very lonely, its nice to meet for a coffee. Once I'm fully recovered, it's something I'd love to set up," she said.

“The programme has given me the confidence to share my story and turn recovery into advocacy," Ms Sweeney finished.

The Patient Champions programme is free of charge, delivered online and accessible to patients with a heart or stroke diagnosis throughout Ireland.  

It teaches heart and stroke patients about the advocacy methods and channels open to them, to try and bring about better outcomes for themselves and other patients, especially in the area of political lobbying, patient representation in healthcare, and advocating to the public. 

It also aims to drive awareness of the need for donations, which helps the foundation to continue such training and to help support people who have had their lives affected by heart disease and stroke. 

The latest group of Patient Champions graduated from the programme recently. 

Advocacy Campaign Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation, Pauline O’Shea, described people like Olivia as the unsung heroes of the organisation. 

“They are a terrific addition, their lived experience and desire to help others and the organisation speak out about significant issues that affect heart and stroke patients is a powerful combination for working for positive change for patients.  

“Patients no longer want their involvement in advocacy to be represented by occasions of being ‘wheeled out’ to speak and then being expected to leave the room while everyone else makes the decisions.  

“They want to feel empowered, appreciated, supported and treated as equals in the room, and in partnership with patient organisations and healthcare decision makers. 

“We are now recruiting for our Patient Champions Programme in 2026, and we welcome heart and stroke patients from all over Ireland to apply.” 

To become a Patient Champion, visit irishheart.ie/patientchampions. 

To find out more about the Irish Heart Foundation or to donate, visit irishheart.ie. 

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