RESIDENTS are being thanked by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Shops after helping to turn their unwanted bags, boots and beds into lifesaving local equipment, including 46 defibrillators for the county.

Volunteering hours, donations and purchases by the local community in towns such as Redditch have helped raised a staggering £215,000 over the past year - money which has helped to fund eight heart nurses and four heart support groups in Worcestershire.

BHF Shops are championing the community’s fight against heart disease and are keen to say thank you and tell locals exactly how the money they have raised is helping heart patients in their area. 

Darren Irwin, BHF Area Manager, says: “The generosity of people has been astonishing and we want to thank every single person who has joined us in the fight against heart disease.

“Quite often people don’t realise that the sofa or dress that they donate actually raises vital funds and helps pay for anything from an echo machine in the local hospital to a community heart support group.

“We couldn’t fund this lifesaving equipment or research in Worcestershire if it wasn’t for the local community and we hope they are feeling proud by the difference they are making and inspired to keep visiting BHF Shops.”

BHF Shops offer a free collection service that can be booked by phone, just call 0844 334 1400.

For more information, visit bhforg.uk/free