About BHF
BHF annual report shows significant rise in funding for lifesaving research
Today we published our Annual Report and Accounts for 2022/23, which tells the story of how the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has powered progress in saving and improving lives from heart and circulatory diseases.
In another tough year for people affected by heart and circulatory diseases and their loved ones, our generous supporters helped raise £181m (net of retail cost) – an increase of 3 per cent on the previous year. This included £95m raised through the generous gifts left in people’s Wills, £51m through our fundraising activities, and £24.9m in profit from our 677 shops and online trading.
Thanks to the efforts of so many, the net income available for charitable purposes for 2022/23 was £144m, representing 80 per cent of total income (net of retail costs).
Raising these funds allowed us to award an incredible £116m in new research grants to back the best scientific ideas – up from £72m in 2021/22. This included the award of a ‘once in a generation’ £30m research grant to CureHeart - a global team of pioneering researchers developing the world’s first cures for inherited heart muscle diseases.
Supporting families in need
In the face of unprecedented disruption and backlogs in heart care we’ve been there for millions of patients and families who've turned to our information and support services, including our Heart Helpline. And we’ve made lifesaving CPR training and defibrillators more accessible, including through the rollout of the Circuit (national defibrillator network) to all UK ambulance trusts.
We continue to be the voice of heart patients across the UK’s four nations, campaigning to push heart disease up the public and policy agenda and influencing change to improve the heart health of the nation. In March 2023 we welcomed the Government’s commitment to Dáithí's Law in Northern Ireland – making an opt-out organ donation system a reality in every UK nation and offering hope to countless families.
Hope of new treatments and cure
Reflecting on the year, our Chief Executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths said: “I’m so proud of what our incredible BHF team has achieved in 2022/23.
“In a year our work has never been more needed, the dedication of our colleagues, volunteers, supporters and customers has allowed us to fund some of the most ambitious research programmes in our history, giving hope of new treatments and cures to millions of families affected by heart and circulatory diseases.
“Our people are the beating heart of everything we do, and I want to thank every single person in our BHF family who has made this possible.”
Never more needed
Despite our progress in 2022/23, our work has never been more needed. More than 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart and circulatory diseases, and they remain the biggest killer globally. What’s more, the number of people waiting for vital heart tests and treatments in England reached a record of nearly 397,000 in June 2023.
With the public’s continued support, we hope to fund more research than ever before in 2023/24 and expand the lifeline of information and support we offer to millions of families affected by heart and circulatory diseases.
Charmaine added: “Millions of people with heart and circulatory diseases continue to need our research and support more than ever before. At a time that heart care is in crisis, we urgently need to accelerate progress in developing new treatments and cures, and ensure more families can access the information, support, and care they desperately need.
“With the public’s continued and increased support, the BHF can continue lead the way in ensuring these lifesaving ambitions become a reality.”