Mural to be unveiled for North Belfast fitness enthusiast who died from heart defect

A leading heart charity is set to unveil a mural dedicated to a 23-year-old Belfast man who died suddenly to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death.

The mural, to be unveiled later this month at Linenhall Street by the British Heart Foundation, will be dedicated to popular barman and electrician Joseph Burns, who collapsed at his parents’ home in north Belfast in 2014.

Joseph’s mural will be one of 12 representing the number of people under the age of 35 lost to sudden cardiac death each week in the UK.

Just 24 hours after the tragedy, his girlfriend Sinead discovered she was pregnant with their daughter Bella who is now nine-years-old.

Joseph’s sister Jeanette said: “We didn’t know what had caused his death and it was hard dealing with that because we didn’t have any answers.

“We were referred to the inherited cardiac conditions service in Belfast and after tests we discovered that my mum Una and I carry the faulty gene for Long QT syndrome, so it is very likely that is what Joseph died from.”

Long QT syndrome causes an electrical disturbance to the heart and puts those affected at risk of having a dangerous heart rhythm. Some people experience no symptoms at all, but others may faint or collapse. In some cases, LQTS can cause sudden death.

Jeanette said Joseph was fit, healthy and trained regularly at the gym: “He enjoyed watching and playing football – taking part in 5-a-side games with his work mates.

“Joseph always had aspirations of having his own family. With him knowing his partner Sinead was possibly pregnant, he would have dreamt of being the best daddy in the world.

“Ten years on and we miss Joseph as much as ever, and being involved in this BHF campaign will help celebrate his life and keep his memory alive.”

Fearghal McKinney, Head of British Heart Foundation NI said too many lives, like Joseph’s, are taken too soon by sudden cardiac death.

“No-one should have to experience the loss of their child, sibling or parent, but sadly that is the cruel reality of heart disease – it doesn’t discriminate,” he said.

“As we enjoy watching the action at UEFA Euro 2024, these powerful murals serve as a reminder of the young football fans that have been snatched away by sudden cardiac death, and we want to thank the families who have kindly agreed to share their stories.”

It come as new research reveals a quarter of people in Northern Ireland don’t believe a heart condition can affect those healthy and aged under 35.

This is despite 42% saying they have lost a close family member to sudden cardiac death and 47% saying they are aware of a heart condition in their family.

Ferghal added: “The BHF is already carrying out ground breaking research to treat and prevent the causes of sudden cardiac death, but there is still more to do. We urgently need donations to help us fund more lifesaving research to prevent other families going through this heartbreak.”