Sheffield National Grid staff in fight against heart disease after colleague's '˜shock death'

Manager Jill Clark gathered together a group of colleagues, who recognised the need to shed a pound or two, both in weight and cash.

Jill advised the group in weight loss ideas, providing support, recipe information, and exercise plans.

Together the team lost a total of 17 stone, and raised £2,204 for the British Heart Foundation.

Jill paid tribute to all of her colleagues who took part.

She said: “We wanted to get involved following the sudden death of a colleague in Sheffield. Our staff wanted to raise awareness of heart disease and funds for the BHF helping to fund the research that is so urgently needed to fight heart disease.

“The sponsored weight loss event was incredibly easy to co-ordinate, and great fun to organise.”

The charity said cardiovascular disease is responsible for around 155,000 UK deaths each year – around one every three minutes.

But with the help of public donations, the BHF is funding half a billion pounds worth of new research over the next five years which will be central to discovering vital treatments for people living with heart and circulatory conditions.

The charity is now urging the public to organise their own unique fundraising events like Jill’s sponsored weight loss, and join in their Raise Funds Your Way campaign.

Lauren Mallinson, fundraising manager for the BHF, said: “We never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary ways people like Jill fundraise for the BHF.

“From zumbathons and treasure hunts, to bake sales and quizzes, whichever way you choose to fundraise you can help make a difference to millions.

“Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial part in every breakthrough we make so we are incredibly grateful for their support.

“But we urgently need more people to join our fight for every heartbeat and help power our life saving research.

“That’s why we’re calling on everyone across the UK to ‘Raise Funds Your Way’ to help support our vital work.”

Last year the public raised £143 million for the BHF. For more information about the Raise Funds Your Way campaign and to download a free fundraising pack visit www.bhf.org.uk/yourway