WATCHET couple Paul and Donna Stevens have been named as South West Heart Heroes after winning a prestigious award for their charity work in memory of their toddler son, Elliot.

Paul, who works at EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point B power station near Bridgwater and wife Donna, have raised more than £80,000 for research into mitochondrial disease and cardiomyopathy in just two years.

They were honoured at a ceremony in Bristol and were selected over strong competition to be named the South West winners of the Inspiration Award at the British Heart Foundation’s annual Heart Hero Awards, which recognise those who inspire others through fundraising or volunteering activities.

They set up the charity Elliot’s Touch in 2015 after losing their 13-month-old son to mitochondrial disease and cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle, compromising the organ’s ability to pump blood around the body, while mitochondrial disease is a rare genetic condition which can affect any organ, leaving cells unable to produce enough energy to work.

Paul said: “It was a very emotional afternoon listening to everyone’s very courageous stories. 

“The award goes out to everyone that has helped us in any way and most of all it goes to Elliot, our beautiful boy who has inspired us all to fight every step of the way.”

Paul and Donna have held a wide variety of fundraising events such as a silent disco, sponsored walks and cake competitions to raise money for research into the conditions.

They have been supported by colleagues at Hinkley Point B, where Paul works for contract partner WorkPlace Solutions, as well as friends and family.

Peter Evans, Hinkley Point B station director, was among the first to congratulate the couple on their award: “Paul and Donna have achieved so much in Elliot’s memory and we are all thrilled their commitment and dedication has been recognised.

“Elliot’s Touch is a charity which is very close to our hearts here at Hinkley Point B and we are proud to be able to support them.”
Their latest venture is a ‘Calendar Girls’-style calendar featuring local faces and places. 

Donna added: “We are very excited to have produced the cheeky little calendar and what a laugh it was putting it together.”
“We’re grateful to all the brave girls and boys who took part and those who have sponsored pages - we feel extremely lucky to have so much support.”

The calendars are available to pre-order by emailing elliotstouch@yahoo.com while selected local shops will be stocking them towards the end of August.

Elliot’s Touch is run in conjunction with the Somerset Community Foundation.
For more information, log on to the charity’s website at www.elliotstouch.org.