British Heart Foundation Scotland shops in Ayrshire, including Largs, have raised £416,000 in the past year, to help fund life saving research into heart disease.

People who have donated items, purchased goods or given their time to volunteer have all contributed to this success.

This impressive amount also enables the foundation to fund healthcare professionals, information resources and life saving equipment, such as public access defibrillators, across the area.

The foundation has a shop in Hyndman Green in Largs, in the town centre, and includes an in-store community board with information on what’s happening locally, and heart health resources for shoppers to take away.

BHF Scotland Area Manager, Marion Murray, says: “We’re truly overwhelmed with the ongoing generosity of people in Largs and surrounding area. We’re so grateful to all our supporters and want to thank every single person who has joined us in the fight against heart disease.

“People often don’t realise that the sofa or dress they donate to, or buy from, their local BHF Scotland shop actually raises vital funds and helps pay for anything from a defibrillator for a community centre to heart research taking place in Scotland.

“We couldn’t fund this life saving equipment or research without the community’s support and we hope they’ll continue to support BHF Scotland shops for many years to come.” Nearly 650 Ayrshire people die from coronary heart disease (CHD) every year, but with continued support from local people, the foundation can fight harder to reduce this figure. CHD is Scotland’s single biggest killer, causing around 7,500 deaths every year1. BHF sell anything from clothes, shoes and handbags to CDs, DVDs and books. and offer a free collection service for donations that can be booked by calling 0800 915 3000, or online for larger furniture and electrical items at bhf.org.uk/free. It’s never been easier to support the BHF’s fight for every heartbeat.

BHF Scotland shops are always happy to welcome more volunteers. To find out more about volunteering, visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer