Teignmouth's brave Imogen is a 'Young Heart Hero'

A six-year-old girl from Teignmouth who lives with a rare heart condition has received a special award from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Imogen Newson was born with complete heart block, a condition affecting the electrical signals that control the heartbeat, and relies on a pacemaker to keep her alive.

She’s had two operations to have pacemakers fitted and is now known for her boundless energy and positive outlook.

Her mother Emma Newson said: “Imogen is just full of life. She is the heart and soul of the family. She's the crazy one, the upbeat one, she's always getting everyone together and she's fearless.

“She knows she has a heart condition and knows she has this really special machine that helps keep her alive. She's proud of it, which is great.”

Imogen has now been recognised with a BHF Young Heart Hero Award, which celebrates inspirational children who have shown courage in the face of a serious heart condition.

Emma said that for her, it was a ‘very emotional’ day.

Her baby’s heart condition had been diagnosed during pregnancy, leading to an intensive series of appointments and checks. Imogen was delivered by caesarean section at 38 weeks.

At the age of 18 months tests revealed that Imogen’s heart rate was dropping below 40 beats per minute overnight and pausing altogether at times, so she had a pacemaker fitted in August 2021.

But a problem with the pacemaker led to a serious scare three weeks later, and Imogen had to be monitored closely until she received a new pacemaker in March 2025.

Since then, her family say she has gone from strength to strength.

Emma said: “You don't often hear about children having to live with heart conditions. Awards like this help raise awareness of the conditions that children can be living with.”

Teresa Hicks from the BHF said: “Imogen's determination, kindness and courage are exactly what these awards are all about.”