Fundraising
Olympic legend Roger Black rallies the nation to walk more in 2026
Olympic legend and our ambassador Roger Black is urging people across the UK to walk more this Heart Month, as new research shows walking is the nation’s top health goal for 2026.
Our survey of 4,537 adults found that 36% want to walk more this year—making it the UK’s number one wellbeing ambition. Walking was also seen as the easiest healthy habit to keep up.
This February, we’re encouraging people to take on our Walk for Hearts challenge by walking 28, 50 or 100 miles to support their own heart health and help fund our lifesaving research.
Roger and Laura’s story
Roger, 59, and hiking creator Laura Jones, 38, both had open heart surgery in 2025 after being diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve. Roger said: “Walking is something you can fit into your routine and do at your own pace. Every step helps your health and supports vital research.” After surgery, walking became a key part of his recovery: “I set myself small goals, like reaching a bench at the top of a hill near my home. Little by little, I got there.”
Laura describes walking as her lifeline before and after surgery: “After surgery, I had to build up from lamppost to lamppost. Seven months on, I’m thankfully able to enjoy longer walks again.”
We also surveyed 2000 people living with cardiovascular disease, like Roger and Laura, and found walking was the number one activity for helping them live with the condition. More than half (55%) said it made a difference to their lives.
Walk for Hearts this Heart Month
Our Senior Cardiac Nurse, Ruth Goss, said: “Walking is a great way for everyone to weave exercise into their daily routines and help look after their cardiovascular health, especially during the winter months. If you are one of the eight million people in the UK living with cardiovascular disease and you are able to exercise, walking could be especially helpful, as it is low impact and you can build up slowly at a pace that’s suitable for you. However, it’s important to speak with your own doctor for personalised advice.
“Taking part in BHF’s ‘Walk for Hearts’ challenge in February is a fantastic way to set yourself a goal and build up a good walking habit. You’ll also be helping fund lifesaving cardiovascular research.”