Metro launches People's Choice Award vote

Voting has opened for the Metro People’s Choice Award, giving supporters across the UK the chance to choose one of four remarkable finalists from this year’s Heart Hero Awards.

Meet our finalists

Representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, each finalist has turned a personal connection to heart and circulatory disease into sustained action for our work — from community events and endurance challenges to volunteering and advocacy.

The public vote closes at midnight on 23 November 2026, with the winner revealed at the Heart Hero Awards in London the following day.

England: Carterton Branch

Carterton Branch volunteers have spent decades finding inventive ways to fund lifesaving research. Their programme has grown from Christmas and Easter bingo to garden parties, cream teas, driveway sales and Christmas light displays.

The branch also gives donated bicycles a new lease of life: 120 were repaired and sold last year, raising more than £6,000. Long-serving member Douglas said: “Every event, whether it is a cream tea, a driveway sale or recycling donated bicycles, is another opportunity to make a difference.”

Scotland: Bill and Margaret Black

Bill and Margaret Black began fundraising after heart disease affected several members of their family. After returning to Scotland in 1987, they opened their Balerno home for an annual Christmas sale that continued on the second Tuesday of November for 34 years.

The couple have now raised more than £160,000 and continue with smaller wreath-making events and other activities. Reflecting on the tradition, Margaret said: “I still have withdrawal symptoms on the second Tuesday in November,” but both remain determined to fundraise for as long as they can.

Northern Ireland: Valerie McIlveen

Valerie McIlveen has used her own experience of dilated cardiomyopathy to support others since her diagnosis in 2006, combining fundraising and volunteering with advocacy for people affected by cardiovascular disease.

After receiving a heart transplant in 2025, she marked Heart Month by walking one mile every day in February through our Walk for Hearts challenge raising both funds and awareness as she continued her recovery.

Wales: The Mariani family

Emily and Mathew Mariani were inspired to act after their daughter Esme was diagnosed with an atrioventricular septal defect at 10 days old. She underwent successful heart surgery at six months, beginning a family mission to help other children through research and innovation.

The family have raised more than £19,000 for us. In 2026, Mathew completed the London Marathon in just over three hours and Emily ran the Cardiff Half Marathon. Mathew said: “Running gives me a way to raise awareness as well as funds to help children like Esme.”

Have your say

Cast your vote before midnight on 23 November 2026. The winner will be revealed at our Heart Hero Awards in London on 24 November.

CAST YOUR VOTE HERE