Take Heart Mercy Mission – September 2025

Our most recent mission to Sri Lanka, in September 2025, was another deeply rewarding and impactful trip. It’s hard to put into words how warmly the Take Heart team is received in Sri Lanka, every visit is a reminder of the incredible spirit, resilience, and gratitude of the families and hospital teams we work alongside.

During this mission, our team carried out many scans and 16 cardiac surgeries, working closely with the dedicated consultants, doctors, and nurses at the Galle National Hospital. Each procedure represents hope — the chance for a healthier future — and the continuation of our shared commitment to improving children’s cardiac care across Sri Lanka.

Our partnership with Galle National Hospital in Karapitiya grows stronger each year. The friendships and collaboration we share with the Sri Lankan medical community are the cornerstone of what we do — working side by side to treat as many young patients as possible while building skills, confidence, and local capacity for cardiac care.We were honoured to welcome the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni to the Galle National Hospital in Karapitiya, for a visit during the trip. Dr. Hansaka took a huge interest in the work of Take Heart and spent time with Professor Simpson in the cardiac scanning unit, followed by time watching Mr. Conal Austin carrying out open heart surgery in the operating theatre and finishing with a tour of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit whereby the Take Heart medics were delighted to show the Minister how patients were recovering from their complicated surgeries. The Minister expressed strong support for our work in helping the critically sick Sri-Lankan children, encouraging the team to expand its efforts to help the Sri-Lankan cause and to continue working alongside the local medical professionals developing their expertise in complex heart surgery. It’s a long-term commitment, but one we are proud to pursue alongside our Sri Lankan colleagues, and with the generous support of our sponsors worldwide.

A very special thank you goes to the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel, where our team stayed for the duration of the mission. We were looked after with exceptional care and kindness by General Manager Dersika and her outstanding staff — their hospitality makes all the difference during these intensive missions.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Take Heart medical and support team — volunteers who give their time, energy, and extraordinary skills to help those who need it most. Their compassion, professionalism, and dedication lie at the heart of every mission and every success story.

None of this would be possible without the generosity and ongoing support of our sponsors and donors. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in giving children the chance of a healthier future. Your support makes every heartbeat possible. Thank you for standing with us and helping to bring hope — and life — to so many children and their families.

Paul Scally, Professor John Simpson, and Mr. Conal Austin

Trustees