Scarred FOR life is a photography exhibition created by Jenny Kumar & Caroline Wilson & I, on behalf of The Somerville Foundation.  Fashion & portrait photographer Kirsty Anderson captured portraits of eight adults, each born with a heart condition, to help change the perception that scars should be hidden away.  As well as telling the story of a population hidden in plain sight, the portrait exhibition aims to empower survivors & raise awareness of the unique needs of adults with congenital heart disease.
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Launched at Glasgow's prestigious Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in February 2015, the exhibition has since toured several venues including The Scottish Parliament. It has been well received by the public gaining national media attention & has been replicated across the UK.​
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"We are delighted to host Scarred for Life at Kelvingrove Museum.  Each person’s story really touched me.  The art that hangs on the walls in Kelvingrove is often said to inspire and so I think its fitting that this exhibition is held here, because each of the people featured in it are an inspiration to so many.  In their own words they make it clear that a medical condition does not define a person and it certainly doesn’t hold them back from all they want to achieve in life… I think that by sharing their experience these people encourage us to marvel at the wonder of modern medicine, the amazing people who serve in the NHS and the many others who have walked a similar path.  And in doing so I think the organisers have created something incredibly positive and should be commended", Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham
"This is a very moving and valuable exhibition which shows the human face of congenital heart disease, a condition which affects thousands of people in Scotland. The people who have courageously volunteered to feature in these photographs are a real inspiration to us all", Jamie Hepburn MSP.
"Here with a 2 yr old CHD boy. Great to see images out for all to see. 2yr old enjoyed spotting ‘zip lines’, like his own", Visitor Comment.​
"Hope youngsters come to see this and realise that there is a lot of life to live after surgery!", Marjory Wood, British Heart Foundation Scotland.​
"A great way to raise awareness, brave & beautiful images", Visitor Comment
"Inspiring exhibition. Viewed whilst waiting as our 3 week old son is having open heart surgery at Yorkhill", Visitor Comment.
"Very powerful and important exhibition very moving", Visitor Comment.
"As an adult with CHD I was moved to tears by your bravery!  Well done to all of you I hope you realise the positive impact your bravery is having on so many others", Visitor Comment
"Me & my scar came through here today so I could gain inspiration and confidence from these wonderful people so that I too can be proud to show off my scar… Very powerful & emotional today",  Visitor Comment
"I am 11 and I have a heart condition were I only have half a heart and I also have a scar for life".  Visitor Comment
"I know from my discussions with Liza over the years regarding her petition to raise National Standards in Scotland just how important it is to spread awareness of congenital heart disease (CHD). The Scarred FOR Life exhibition makes an impact, with its arresting portraits alongside patients’ inspirational stories that make people stop, read and learn about this community, which requires lifelong specialist care and feel hidden in plain sight",  Michael Matheson, MSP
"As home to regional and national heart and lung services, including the Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service, the Golden Jubilee is dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease in its many forms.  We are delighted to welcome the Scarred FOR Life exhibition, which allows patients, staff and members of the public to hear directly about the experiences of congenital heart disease patients", Mike Higgins, Medical Director at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.
"Scars should not be hidden away. A UNIQUE exhibition at Forth Valley Royal Hospital", NHS Forth Valley Royal.