About the Cayman Heart Fund

Celebrating the lives of survivors

The Cayman Heart Fund is dedicated to raising awareness of, preventing, and reducing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) – a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, commonly referred to as heart disease and stroke.

The threat of CVD has never been more urgent and is intensified by age, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and more. It’s estimated that 9 out of 10 people have at least one risk factor, such as high blood pressure, obesity, tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and diabetes.

We fight everyday to save lives. Our community programs include:

About Heart Heroes

Celebrating the lives of survivors

Our Annual Awards ceremony celebrates Cayman’s inspirational “Heart Heroes” who have shown courage, resilience, compassion, and bravery in the face of debilitating heart and circulatory conditions. Through this program we raise public awareness of heart disease and stroke – still the biggest threat to public health globally and in the Cayman Islands.

Listen to the stories of the those who have fought heart disease, survived sudden cardiac arrest, and battled stroke. With their help, we can continue to prevent heart disease and stroke keeping hearts in Cayman beating for many years to come..

His Excellency Mr Martyn Keith Roper, OBE was appointed to the Cayman Islands in October 2018. He is a highly experienced career Diplomat with a successful track record in senior corporate leadership roles across the world. He was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire in June 1965.

The Governor is Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the Cayman Islands and acts as the de facto Head of State but he also has key reserved areas of responsibility which contribute to the overall safety and wellbeing of the Cayman Islands. These reserved areas are defence, external affairs, internal security (including the Police and Regiment) and good governance. He also appoints the head of government and other senior officials to public office.

Elisabeth (Lissie) and Martyn have two children, a son Matthew and a daughter Jessica. Martyn is a keen runner and cyclist and also enjoys tennis and reading in his spare time. Lissie enjoys playing the oboe and is a member of the Cayman Islands National Orchestra.

Since the CHF’s inception the Governor has been our Patron of Honour and we are delighted that H.E. Governor Roper and Mrs. Roper have continued this tradition as Co-Patrons.

Our emcee

Victoria Wheaton

Ms Wheaton grew up in the Cayman Islands and is one of our foremost journalists, entertainers, emcees, stand up comics, and auctioneers. A multitalented singer, comedienne, and host of many charity events. Numerous luminaries she has worked with include Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Hoda Kotb, Joan Lunden, and Sir Richard Branson. Interviews include Al Pacino, Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Groban, Cynthia Nixon, Lionel Richie, and Iggy Pop. A journalist at the Cayman Compass her “Wheaton’s Way” weekly column delights readers with its humor. In 2022 was awarded a Certificate and Badge of Honour in the Queen’s New Years honours for her outstanding service to Media and Charitable Organizations.

Cayman Heart Fund Directors

Celebrating the lives of survivors

2022 Heart Heroes Speaker

Celebrating the lives of survivors