BHF shops
Heart warrior gives back - and urges others to join him
Start the year with heart and donate unwanted Christmas gifts to us.
This January, we are calling on people across the UK to kick off the new year by decluttering and donating any unwanted Christmas gifts, especially toys, to help fund lifesaving research.
Eight-year-old Raphie Marquiss knows just how vital our work is. Born with a serious heart condition, he will spend his life under the care of heart specialists.
He was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve when he was six years old. This means Raphie’s aortic valve has only two flaps of skin (called leaflets) that help control blood flow, instead of the usual three. This can put extra strain on the heart.
Thanks to research funded by us, children like Raphie can look forward to brighter, healthier futures. Now, he’s encouraging other kids to join him in giving back.
Speaking about his New Year’s donation, Raphie said: "I got some amazing presents this Christmas, but I also got a few things I already had. Instead of keeping them, I’m donating them to our local British Heart Foundation shop so they can help other kids like me. It feels good to know my toys will make a difference!”
After the excitement of Christmas, many people find themselves with gifts that aren’t quite right – maybe a duplicate toy, a gift set of products you don’t use, or something that just isn’t needed. Rather than letting these items gather dust, we are asking families to donate them to one of our 680 shops across the UK or send them for free using our downloadable postage label.
Every donated item can be resold to raise funds for vital research into cardiovascular disease – helping keep families together for Christmases to come.
Allison Swaine-Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Once the Christmas magic has settled, it’s the perfect time to sort through gifts and toys that aren’t being used. Every donation helps fund lifesaving research and gives families hope for the future. If your children have outgrown toys or you’ve got duplicates from Christmas, why not donate them? And if that festive jumper has seen one too many Christmases, consider giving it a new home. Start the new year by making a real difference.”