RESIDENTS are being asked to have a heart by helping to raise money for life-saving research.

The call comes from Nina Eastwood, the chairman of the Knutsford fundraising branch of the British Heart Foundation.

Nina is calling on the townspeople to help the fight against heart and circulatory disease by joining their local branch.

Nina said: “Since joining the Knutsford branch a few years ago I have really enjoyed getting involved in fundraisers and collections.

“The group meets four times a year so is it not a big commitment, but everyone is so welcoming and supportive of each other.

“We would welcome new members to help us plan some new and exciting events for BHF.”

About 50,000 people across Cheshire East are fighting a daily battle with heart and circulatory disease.

Each year these conditions claim the lives of almost 1,000 people in Cheshire East alone.

Nina added: “Our fundraising groups and branches are the face of the BHF in their communities.

“From running fundraising events to supporting schools and local businesses and organising collections, they are a fantastic way to support our vital work.

“Any time you can give will be invaluable, because every pound raised from our fundraising groups will help fund vital research and identify new treatments that could help save lives.”

Leah Goodhind, BHF fundraising manager for Cheshire, said: “Too many lives are lost in Cheshire East each year, and we’re determined to do everything we can to protect more families from this devastation.

“By joining the Knutsford branch you can help us fund the research that’s so desperately needed to bring us closer to beating heart and circulatory disease.

“The Knutsford BHF fundraising branch is such a wonderful group of inspiring people. The group is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and have fun.”

BHF research has helped halve death rates from heart and circulatory disease over the past 50 years, but there is still a long way to go.

Through the public’s generosity the BHF will fund half a billion pounds of new research over the next five years.

For more information about the branch email Leah at goodhindl@bhf.org.uk or call 07500 057015.