The virtual tour was developed and built by Dr Darragh Lydon and students in the Media Lab at Queen’s, a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research facility, and has been officially launched on World Heart Day (29 September 2025) with the resource now available on Children’s Heartbeat Trust website. 

The project was inspired by Dr Lydon’s own personal experience when his son, Owen, was admitted to the Clark Clinic as a baby with a major congenital heart defect and multiple holes in his heart, with no prior antenatal diagnosis. Facing a long hospital stay, the family, including their young daughter, found the ward overwhelming with the amount of information and the constant noise from the machines. 

The virtual tour is designed to ease parents’ practical concerns of the unknown by showing them where their child will be. It also supports parents in explaining the experience to siblings and other family members, as well as helping to promote greater understanding and inclusion. 

Dr Lydon said: 

“Our time in Clark Clinic with Owen was obviously one of the hardest times of our lives, but the staff on the ward and Children’s Heartbeat Trust helped us so much when we were there. When Owen was discharged, I wanted to do something to repay them and help other families, and I hope this is some small help to anyone who has a family member with congenital heart disease. I’d also really like to thank our students Lauren, Katy and Aaron for all their hard work on the project as it couldn’t have happened without their generosity and support.” 

Today, Owen is thriving, and Dr Lydon hopes the project will not only provide reassurance to other families but also highlight the incredible work of the Clark Clinic team and the support of Children’s Heartbeat Trust.  

Cathy Dalton, Family and Youth Support Services Manager at Children’s Heartbeat Trust, welcomed the resource: 

“Receiving a cardiac diagnosis for your child is extremely difficult and for families in this position, the unknown can be one of the most stressful elements of coming to terms with the diagnosis. This virtual tour offers young people with congenital heart disease, their parents and siblings a chance to familiarise themselves with Clark Clinic, before they are admitted, easing anxiety and helping them feel more prepared.  

“We are incredibly grateful to Dr Lydon who can fully understand how beneficial this virtual tour will be for the family unit as well as his wonderful team for creating such a valuable resource that will bring comfort and reassurance to so many heart families across Northern Ireland.”