Come and walk to help save lives – Stanley, 85 (From Worcester News)

Come and walk to help save lives – Stanley, 85

4:40pm Saturday 19th January 2013 in News

A PENSIONER is asking people in Worcester to put their best foot forward so more people like him can benefit from life-saving treatment.

Stanley Smith, aged 85, who recently had a triple heart bypass and has since been fitted with a pacemaker and defibrillator, is calling for the local community to sign up for the British Heart Foundation’s Heart Walk.

As a Heart City, the Faithful City is one of nine locations chosen to host a four-mile scenic walk starting from the Hive, Sawmill Walk, The Butts, on Sunday, March 24, in a bid to raise more than £180,000 for the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.

Mr Smith, of Spetchley Road, Worcester, said: “Walking is a great way to help keep your heart healthy and this walk provides a good opportunity to get friends, colleagues and family members together for a hearty walk. “I am convinced that I am still here today due to the research and advice given to me by the British Heart Foundation.

“I encourage everyone to get involved in a challenge that will not only help keep your own heart fit, but help the BHF keep other hearts beating too.”

Donna Stokes, fund-raising volunteer manager for the foundation, said: “Over 750,000 people in the UK are currently living with heart failure.

“If the people of Worcester get together, sign up to do a Heart Walk and raise money through sponsorship they’ll help us to give hope to people living with heart failure and their families.

“As a British Heart Foundation Heart City, the local community has been fantastic at supporting our fund-raising activity.

“I hope they get behind this event and put their hearts and trainer soles into helping us beat heart disease, for good.”

Registration is now open and is free to sign up, with participants asked to pledge a minimum £50 sponsorship.

For more information and to register, go to bhf.org.uk/ heartwalks.