In 2008, the BHF Valentine Appeal set out to raise £1 million to fund two essential services - our BHF Heart Nurses, who give expert care and support to heart patients and their families, and the BHF Heart HelpLine, which provides heart information and advice.

Aaron Prior was the 'face' of this year's campaign. Born with congenital heart disease, Aaron had four operations by the age of six. BHF Heart Nurses are a constant source of strength to his mum, Sam, who describes them as her 'security blanket': "I could not bear to think of life without them. They have been huge in our lives since before Aaron was born and are a fundamental part of caring for our child."

The appeal's theme was 'Give a Gift that Saves Lives', with a dedicated microsite offering romantic online gifts, and a Facebook application encouraging visitors to send virtual Valentine gifts. BHF Shops' windows filled with displays of Love Notes, giving the campaign a great high street presence. Young Aaron, was a real star, writing a Love Note to his BHF Heart Nurse, donating a giant teddy bear and fundraising with Jump Rope For Heart at school.

The appeal raised nearly £800,000 by March 2008, including Shops, who beat their target, bringing in over £370,000. A further £115,000 was raised through our Corporate Partnerships. The website attracted 44,000 visits and over 1,000 people downloaded our Facebook application.

In future, the appeal will raise funds for a wider area of our vital work, which will help our community fundraising volunteers attract more support. But we urgently need your help to carry on making a difference to the lives of heart patients and their families. To find out more about the 2009 Valentine Appeal, please visit bhf.org.uk/valentine