Love in Blood Orange was drawn in recognition of NZ Heart Health Awareness Month (February), and with thanks for the immense support we have had from our healthcare team, in particular, Cardiac Inherited Disease Group and Starship Children’s Hospital.

The purpose of the artwork is three-fold, to raise awareness of cardiac risk in young people, to fundraise to support heart health, and to bring a sense of appreciation for the good things in life.

In 2022 our family became part of the heart health system in the most devastating way, losing our 12 year old daughter, Celia, to sudden cardiac death. She had no prior symptoms, leaving for school a happy, seemingly healthy girl. “Bye Mum, love you” she said as she hopped out of the car. “Love you too Celia, have a great day”. I remember watching her as she walk-skipped to the bus, thinking how beautiful she was. Not knowing this was our last normal moment, that these were our last words.

At the time of her death, we presumed we were the unluckiest family in the world. Surely, this was the rarest, most random thing. We were wrong. We have since learned that cardiac risk in young people is relatively common and that up to 90, otherwise healthy, young people (aged 1-40 years) die suddenly and unexpectedly in NZ every year. Yet answers are scarce and information is difficult to source. 

As part of my grief journey, creating beauty through illustration has been an outlet for love and pain, which co-exist, together, in every heartbeat. Illustrating nature allows me to get lost in the detail, connecting my hand with my heart and my thoughts. It reminds me to notice how beautiful and complex life can be.

Into ‘Love in Blood Orange’ is drawn my hope that raising awareness of cardiac risk in young people might save lives and let others, who have experienced this loss, know they are not alone. The illustration purposefully holds a sense of delicate beauty and bold optimism, reminding us to grab hold of and enjoy the sweet things in life.

After Celia died, we found some words in her school book, written just months before, 

“I have my heart to offer the world”

With Celia, in our hearts, we continue to live the kindness, courage, and curiosity for knowledge that she brought to the world. I hope that the 'Love in Blood Orange' print brings beauty and optimism to your homes, along with a reminder to always look after your heart and the hearts of others.

In memory of our lion hearted love.