Our 2026 Outstanding Contribution winners
Each person or group has made an extraordinary difference through their dedication, compassion and support for BHF. Visit our voting page to watch videos of their stories and vote for your Metro People’s Choice Award winner.
Scotland - Bill and Margaret Black
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Bill and Margaret Black have dedicated more than 3 decades to supporting British Heart Foundation (BHF), raising over £130,000 for lifesaving heart research through their much-loved community fundraising events in Edinburgh.
Driven by personal experiences of heart disease within their family, they have inspired friends, neighbours and supporters to come together in support of BHF year after year. Alongside their annual Christmas fundraising sale, Bill and Margaret have continued to find new ways to raise vital funds, including organising wreath-making classes in support of BHF.
Their generosity, commitment and enduring passion have left a lasting impact on their local community while helping to fund research that saves and improves lives.
Wales - The Mariani Family
The Mariani family have shown extraordinary dedication to supporting BHF, inspired by their daughter’s journey with a congenital heart condition.
Since Esme’s diagnosis and open-heart surgery as a baby, the family have channelled their experiences into fundraising, awareness-raising and supporting others facing similar challenges. Through fundraising events, marathon challenges and public campaigning, they have helped shine a light on congenital heart disease and the importance of research.
Most recently, Esme’s story formed part of BHF’s Red Bench campaign, helping to share a message of hope and resilience with communities across Wales and beyond. Together, the family have become powerful advocates for heart health, inspiring others through their courage, positivity and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Northern Ireland - Valerie McIlveen
Valerie McIlveen has been a dedicated supporter of BHF for many years. After being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2006, Valerie became a passionate fundraiser, volunteer and advocate, sharing her story to encourage others and helping to register local defibrillators on The Circuit.
Following a life-changing heart transplant in 2025, and with the approval of her medical team, Valerie took part in the Walk for Hearts challenge during Heart Month, walking a mile a day throughout February to raise funds and awareness. Through her resilience, generosity and commitment to helping others, Valerie has made a lasting impact on her community and on people affected by cardiovascular disease across Northern Ireland.
England - Carterton Branch
The Carterton Branch have supported BHF for more than 40 years, raising over £329,000 through a wide range of community fundraising activities. Their year-round programme includes well-loved events such as Easter Bingo, Afternoon Tea, Christmas light displays and large-scale fundraising weekends hosted in members’ homes.
Over the years, members have shown extraordinary dedication, organising numerous events each year and often going above and beyond to make them a success – from setting up venues to creating a welcoming community atmosphere.
Driven by personal connections to cardiovascular disease, every member is motivated to take positive action, supporting both the cause and one another. Together, they have built a lasting legacy of fundraising, awareness and community spirit.