Every year, our regional volunteer and staff fundraisers do a fantastic job raising money for our life-saving work. Here's just one of their stories.

The Derby Hearts in Focus Appeal set out to provide a state-of-the-art echocardiograph machine for Derby City Hospital that will benefit around 5,000 heart patients - and exceeded its £103,000 target after only five months. Fundraising Volunteers Manager Julie Watson was key to its success. When Julie explained to a Derbyshire couple just how vital echocardiography is in the diagnosis of heart disease, especially in the very young, they donated a remarkable £80,000.

Four-year old Kian Smith had open-heart surgery just days after he was born. Now, before his third critical operation, he'll be one of many who'll benefit from the new machine. As his mum Mel says: "For Kian to be able to go to Derby instead of all the way to Leicester for his scans will make a world of difference. I can't thank the people of Derbyshire enough for their overwhelming kindness."

Wherever you live in the UK, we urgently need your support to continue our vital work. To find out how you can help, please go to bhf.org.uk/getinvolved

To find our more about echocardiography visit bhf.org.uk/livingwithheartconditions