In the heart of London, amidst the glitz and glamour of BHF Heart Hero Awards, Ann Hartley, a 76-year-old retired caterer from Cheadle, Stockport, was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award for her relentless efforts in raising over £401,000.
Ann's fundraising journey began in 2008, driven by the devastating loss of five siblings, all under the age of 60, to heart conditions. Her three surviving brothers also have heart disease, and her youngest brother at 58, is currently waiting for a heart transplant. Her determination to make a difference led her to start bucket collections at pubs and clubs across the Northwest. A year ago, she embraced technology by using a card reader machine to streamline donations directly to the BHF. Her ultimate goal is to raise £500,000 before she turns 80.
Ann said: “It is a wonderful honour to have been given this award. I love what I do because I know the difference that money makes in funding BHF research. After I lost my siblings I couldn’t just sit and do nothing. I had to get out and do my bit to help to stop others going through these terrible losses.
"I'm doing it to get the money out there for the research for my brothers. If it could buy my brother a heart then I'd be out every night of the week.”
Ann's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can make. As she continues her fundraising journey, she carries the memory of her siblings with her, determined to reach her goal and help others avoid the pain she has endured.
"I am determined to carry on fundraising until I reach my ultimate goal of raising £500,000 before I reach 80. Sadly, my brothers and sisters won’t be there to see it – but this is for them, always"
The red carpet was rolled out for Ann and for celebrities from the world of showbiz, TV and sport at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom.
The seventh annual awards ceremony recognised inspiring individuals who have shown remarkable bravery or have gone above and beyond to help others while coping with the devastating impact of heart and circulatory disease.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “The Heart Hero Awards are the highlight of my year. We recognised the most inspiring stories, from those who raise vital funds, train others in lifesaving skills, campaign for change or lead BHF-funded research. These people truly are heroes.
“My heartfelt thanks to Ann and everyone involved from our Heart Heroes, celebrity ambassadors and researchers who power our work to save and improve lives at a time when the BHF has never been more needed.”
Ann also kindly shared, “What a lovely way to express my journey to continue to raise funds not only for my family but for everyone who has experienced my loss pain and grief, hopefully everything all the BHF volunteers’ efforts will be a tremendous success for Heart research in the near future. Thank you everyone for your continued support dedication and inspiration.”