About
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide life-saving heart surgeries and medical expertise to children in Sri Lanka, working alongside local healthcare teams through providing training and the provision of essential equipment. We aim to create sustainable, long-term change by improving healthcare access and outcomes for children with congenital heart conditions.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every child with a heart condition has access to the care they need, regardless of location or circumstance by continuously providing high-quality medical treatment and education, we aim to assist and help further develop a self-sustaining healthcare system in Sri Lanka that saves lives, fosters local expertise, and ensures brighter futures for children in need.
Our Core Values
Compassion
We approach every child and family with empathy, kindness, and understanding.
Collaboration
We believe in the power of working together—locally and globally—to achieve lasting change.
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Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in patient care, training, and medical practices to save and improve lives.
Integrity
We operate with transparency and honesty, ensuring that every donation is used effectively to make a meaningful difference.​
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Sustainability
Our focus is on creating long-term impact by empowering local healthcare providers and maintaining critical medical resources.
Our Story
Take Heart Mercy Mission was founded over 23 years ago with a deep commitment to working alongside Sri Lankan doctors, surgeons and medical staff in saving the lives of children born with congenital heart disease in Sri Lanka. Trustees Paul Scally (Chairman), Conal Austin (Heart Surgeon) and Professor John Simpson (Cardiologist), were inspired to create the charity after witnessing the dire need for specialized paediatric cardiac care in the region and recognizing the life-changing potential of connecting international medical expertise with local healthcare teams.
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From its inception, the charity has focused on bridging the gap between access to life-saving heart surgeries and the limited resources available in Sri Lanka. With compassion and determination, the team began organising medical trips, bringing together expert paediatric cardiac surgeons, medical professionals, and essential equipment to address this urgent need.
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Key Milestones:
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2002: The charity was founded and organised its first trip to Sri Lanka, performing surgeries on children and providing hands-on training to local medical staff.
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2003: Partnered with Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, securing funding for critical medical equipment that upgraded and replaced equipment in three operating theatres.
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2003: Expanded the annual trips to include comprehensive post-operative care and educational programs for Sri Lankan doctors and nurses.
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2024: Achieved the milestone of 270 heart surgeries, giving countless children a second chance at life.
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Take Heart Mercy Mission continues to grow, driven by the unwavering belief that no child should be denied the chance to lead a healthy and fulfilling life due to a lack of medical resources. With every trip, the charity strengthens its impact, empowering local healthcare providers and creating a brighter future for children in Sri Lanka.
Join Us in Changing Lives
Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference. Whether it's donating, spreading the word, fundraising for new theatre equipment, or learning more about our mission, you have the power to help us save lives and build a sustainable future for children in Sri Lanka.
Explore the site to see the incredible impact of your support and learn how you can be part of this life-changing journey. Together, we can give hope, share expertise, and create brighter tomorrows.