Life-saving research into heart disease is more than £100,000 better off thanks to the generosity of Hampshire residents.

British Heart Foundation (BHF) shops in Hampshire have raised an impressive £1,728,000 over the past 12 months which is helping to save lives every day.

That money has made it possible to fund 97 defibrillators, eight heart support groups and 26 health care professionals in the region, as well as Heartstart schemes which teach first aid and CPR in schools and businesses.

The charity is thanking every resident in the county who has either donated items, bought items in the shops or given their time to volunteer for helping to raise so much.

Preston Davies, BHF area manager, said: “We’re truly overwhelmed with the ongoing generosity of the local community in Hampshire.

“People often don’t realise that the sofa or dress they donate to or buy from their local BHF shop actually raises vital funds and helps pay for anything from an echo machine in their local hospital to a community heart support group.”