British Heart Foundation

10/08/2026

A 78-year-old Dunmurry man is preparing to run his third half marathon in a matter of months to raise funds and awareness for British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland, after heart conditions changed the lives of his family.

Robert Mearns will take on the Belfast Half Marathon this September, following runs at Hillsborough and Lisburn, inspired by his wife Iris, who has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and by his own diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

Robert said: “I was diagnosed in 2022 with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. I’m aware of it and make sure I train well for any event I do.

“With cardiovascular conditions affecting my entire family, I have a vested interest in heart research and the work of BHF.

“I want to share my story to raise awareness of the impact of cardiovascular disease and support funding of research into treatments and cures.”

Robert added: “We don’t form good character by everything going our way in life; we form it by facing the challenges. Running for Iris and for everyone living with cardiovascular disease, will take my feet to the finish line.”

Our fundraising manager, Orla Copeland, said: “Robert’s determination is truly inspiring. By taking on the Belfast Half Marathon for BHF, he is helping to fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases and raising vital awareness of conditions that affect so many families.

“We would love more people to follow Robert’s lead and take on the Belfast Half Marathon for BHF NI. Whether you run in memory of someone you love, to celebrate your own heart health journey, or simply to take on a new challenge, every step helps us power the research that can save and improve lives.”

Orla added: “Sign up before 17 August and join Team BHF on the start line this September.”

The Belfast Half Marathon takes place on September 20 and is Northern Ireland’s biggest half marathon event. Those interested in running for BHF Northern Ireland can sign up before 17 August by contacting April Davidson on [email protected]

To donate to Robert’s fundraising page, visit: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/RM94666591

A pensioner believes his wife would not be alive today had he not woken in the middle of the night to discover she had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Robert Mearns, who described it as the “most traumatic thing” that has ever happened to him, is now preparing to run his third half-marathon in a matter of months to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland.

Read more https://tinyurl.com/2uuddax5

03/08/2026

Our Spidey senses are tingling... and they're saying the closest thing to a superpower is knowing CPR.

30/07/2026

Planning to go on holiday soon? 🌴 If you have a heart or circulatory condition, there are some important things to bear in mind when travelling. Follow our 11 tips for going on holiday with a heart condition below.

1️⃣ Check with your GP: Make sure you're fit to fly and get advice on medication, vaccinations and documentation you might need.

2️⃣ Choose your destination carefully: You may want to avoid extreme climates, high altitudes and humidity. Also, consider whether your destination has good medical facilities.

3️⃣ Get travel insurance: Disclose details of your heart condition fully and read the small print to avoid any problems.

4️⃣ Apply for a GHIC card: This allows UK citizens to get free or cheaper healthcare in countries with shared agreements.

5️⃣ Sort your medications: Pack enough for the whole trip (plus some extra) and keep them in your hand luggage when travelling so they are always with you.

6️⃣ Consider compression socks: These can help to reduce your risk of blood clots on long flights. Moving around the plane and doing regular leg stretches, circling your ankles when seated is advised.

7️⃣ Check your accommodation: Choose a comfortable, accessible place that is located near medical services.

8️⃣ Stay hydrated: Especially in hot climates, it's important to drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Check with your doctor if you're on fluid restrictions.

9️⃣ Be gently active: Walking, swimming and cycling are great, but don't overdo it, especially in the heat.

🔟 Reduce stress: Avoid stress by planning ahead, taking breaks and practising breathing or relaxation techniques.

1️⃣1️⃣ Listen to your body: Don't ignore warning signs like chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath or palpitations. If you have any of these symptoms, get medical help fast.

BONUS TIP: Always carry your GHIC card, a doctor's letter and any essential medical info with you just in case.

23/07/2026

Our Community Defibrillator Funding Programme is now open!

The scheme is open to eligible groups in communities across Northern Ireland and areas with greatest need will be prioritised for a free defibrillator.

There are around 1,400 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) each year in Northern Ireland, but less than one in 10 people survive. However, early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chance of survival.

Check eligibility and apply for a BHF-funded defibrillator for your community up until February 2027 – by doing so, you could save a life: bhf.org.uk/fundeddefib

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/two-rural-areas-identified-as-in-urgent-need-of-lifesaving-defibrillators/a/159018764.html

Two rural areas of Northern Ireland have been identified as being in “urgent need of lifesaving defibrillators”.

21/07/2026

Such wonderful news! 💗

Dáithí and his family’s ongoing campaign has brought hope to so many people and helped save lives and now he has received the greatest gift. We’re so grateful to the donor’s family for making that selfless decision.

BHF has been a longstanding supporter of Dáithí and his family’s tireless campaigning, which directly led to the implementation of ‘Dáithí’s Law’ in Northern Ireland, establishing a soft opt-out organ donation system.

Under this law, all adults in Northern Ireland are considered potential organ donors unless they choose to opt out or are in an excluded group.

As Dáithí begins his recovery journey, we encourage everyone to learn more about what the law change means, consider their organ donation decision, record that decision, and share it with family and friends. 🙏

Dáithí has received the gift of a heart transplant. His wait, the longest of any child in the world for a heart transplant, is over.

Dáithí is at the beginning of his recovery. There have already been some big wins for him, but there is still a long road ahead, and we would ask you all to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Organ donation is the greatest gift anyone can ever give.

We are beyond grateful to Dáithí’s donor and their family for making such a selfless decision at the most difficult time imaginable. Out of respect for them, and for their privacy, we won’t be saying anything more at this stage.

Please keep talking about organ donation. Those conversations save lives.

20/07/2026

Calling all runners! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️❤️

BHF NI has charity places available for this year's Belfast City Half Marathon on Sunday 20 September.

Experience the thrill of running through the vibrant and historic city of Belfast while raising vital funds to support lifesaving heart research.

Whether you're taking on your first marathon or aiming for a personal best, we'd love to have you on ❤️

Every mile you run and every pound you raise will help fund groundbreaking research into cardiovascular disease, giving hope to the 230,000 people in NI affected by these conditions.

For more info, contact our Fundraising Manager, Órla on [email protected]

09/07/2026

During hot weather, it’s more important than ever to know where your nearest defibrillator is. Extreme heat can put extra strain on the heart and in a cardiac emergency, using a defibrillator alongside CPR can more than double someone’s chance of survival. Taking a few minutes now to locate your nearest defibrillator could help save a life. Find your nearest defibrillator now: defibfinder.uk If 999 directs you to get one, you’ll already know where to find it.

Responsible for a defibrillator?
Make sure it’s registered on The Circuit, confirm it’s working, and record your check on The Circuit so ambulance services know it’s emergency ready and can locate it quickly if needed.

*Source: The Circuit – National Defibrillator Network, provided by British Heart Foundation - 19/06/2026 and 28/06/2026.

30/06/2026

BHF still has charity places left at this year's Antrim Coast Half Marathon but registration closes tonight!

Thanks to its flat and fast route, it’s perfect for a beginner runner or hitting a PB. Enter up to 3 runners in a relay team or run the entire half marathon yourself.

We'd love you to join . Click the link below, complete your details and choose BHF as your chosen charity ❤❤
https://in.njuko.com/antrim-coast-half-marathon-2026?id=690b5599846daedbeadb64c2&token=BA0WzZh3WuLn8bAnmja1FJTC5QBypIHNbzZOYKA46ru

25/06/2026

Thanks so much to Deborah Erskine MLA for all her amazing and ongoing support to help people living here with cardiovascular disease ❤️

Kicking off the week at Stormont by presenting British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland with £350 which was raised at my recent Office Coffee Morning. ❤️

11/06/2026

An iconic British Heart Foundation red bench has been unveiled at Queen’s University Medical Centre, to recognise a Newry man who had lifesaving surgery at just six months old and recently celebrated his 30th birthday.

At three months old, Karl Murray’s parents were given the devastating diagnosis that their first child was born with a congenital heart condition, tetralogy of Fallot, which affects how your heart works and blood flows through it.

Karl needed open heart surgery to repair his heart and ensure his survival. Karl’s early surgery was a success, and despite waiting on further surgery to replace a damaged heart valve, Karl is using his voice to help others going through similar life-long experiences, as part of British Heart Foundation's Patient & Public Research Strategy Advisory Group.

Karl is sharing his story as part of BHF's 'Keep Us Beating' campaign to encourage others to open up about their experience of living with cardiovascular disease and help raise awareness across the UK.

To read more about Karl's story click below 👇
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/area/down/news/karl-sitting-proudly-as-bench-in-his-honour-unveiled-at-queens-university-by-cardiac-charity/a/156410777.html