British Heart Foundation - Wales

09/10/2026

As president of Bull Bay Golf Club / Clwb Golff Porth Llechog, Elfed Rowlands chose to support the British Heart Foundation through a special fundraising day after undergoing life-saving triple bypass surgery in 2025. Having previously supported the charity following his father's experience of heart disease, Elfed felt a strong personal connection to the cause and wanted to give back. Together, club members raised more than £2,000, with over £1,000 going to the BHF to help fund lifesaving research.

Diolch o galon ♥️

07/10/2026

🫶

With 650 runners in last weekend's Cardiff Half Marathon, and more than £200,000 raised, we're still buzzing from all the stories of people across Wales and their "why". One of those is Andrea, who had many reasons for her race.

Alongside her daughter, Ffion, Andrea laced up her trainers for her very first Cardiff Half Marathon, raising funds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of her beloved mum, and in celebration of her friend's daughter ❤️🏃‍♀️

Andrea's mum lived with health problems for many years and sadly died from heart failure in May 2025. Despite facing these significant health challenges, she remained a loving, funny and generous presence at the heart of her family.

Andrea was also running for Pixie Jean, her friends daughter born with Tetralogy of Fallot.

"I am proud to be raising money for BHF, helping to fund just a tiny bit of research knowing anyone at any age can be affected by heart disease."

With family, friends and her grandson cheering her on, Andrea completed Cardiff Half Marathon knowing that every mile is dedicated to her mum's memory and to powering the research that gives hope to millions.

"I've never been a runner and my friends think it's completely out of character that I've done this!" said Andrea. "But if raising money can help researchers find new treatments or give another family more time with someone they love, then every step will have been worth it."

Da iawn Andrea! 👏

05/10/2026

WHAT. A. DAY.

Diolch o galon Hanner Marathon Caerdydd 🫶

An amazing experience yesterday with 650 British Heart Foundation Runners taking on this year's Cardiff Half Marathon ♥️🫀

A huge collective effort in our mission to give everyone a healthier heart for longer - thanks to everyone who ran, cheered, supported and donated.

05/10/2026

Read Louis' inspirational story here - one of the many amazing runners at yesterday's Cardiff Half Marathon

Da Iawn Louis!

Last summer, a rare heart defect meant 25-year-old Louis Price couldn't walk for 20 minutes without feeling breathless

02/10/2026

Dani Egan will run the Cardiff Half Marathon for the British Heart Foundation this weekend in memory of her dad, Don, who died suddenly from a heart attack which led to a cardiac arrest. Don died just two days before his 60th birthday. 💔 Just four months later, Dani’s father-in-law suffered a heart attack. This time, however, medical help was sought immediately.

Dani's family spent months asking "what if?" but she hopes sharing their story will encourage others to recognise heart attack symptoms, seek help quickly and talk openly when something doesn't feel right.

For Dani, the contrast between the two experiences has reinforced a vital message.
“We've had two heart attacks within four months, but with completely different outcomes. I want people to know it's not always a pain in your left arm," she said. "Both our dads thought they had stomach issues or heartburn. If you don't feel right, tell somebody, get checked and don't be afraid to call for help. You're not being overdramatic. It could save your life."

🏃‍♀️To honour her dad and channel her grief into something positive, Dani signed up to run the Cardiff Half Marathon for the BHF. Although she completed the event once before around a decade ago, training now carries a much deeper meaning.

"I'm training in my dad's smartwatch and I'll be wearing it on race day. Part of me feels like he's with me every step of the way."
On race day, Dani will be cheered on by her husband Harry and their young daughter, Lottie. She will also wear a special headband dedicated to her father as she takes on the challenge.

Every mile Dani runs is for her dad, and for the thousands of families affected by cardiovascular disease every year.
“If I can raise a little money, raise some awareness and help save somebody else's dad, then it'll be worth it."❤️

01/10/2026

💙 Just a year ago, Ashleigh was recovering from open-heart surgery. This weekend, she'll be taking on the Cardiff Half Marathon for the British Heart Foundation.

The 27-year-old nursing student was shocked to be diagnosed with an atrial septal defect (ASD), a congenital heart condition, after noticing something wasn't quite right during exercise. In October 2025, she underwent open-heart surgery and spent months rebuilding her strength, confidence and fitness.

"I went into hospital and had the operation the next morning," she recalled. "I was in for six days and I honestly couldn't fault the care I received. It was amazing."

Ashleigh's journey has also had an impact on her family. Following her diagnosis, her sister Abi was found to have a heart condition that is now being monitored by specialists. Today, the sisters train together (🦮 alongside their loyal spaniels Nook and Sulley 🦮) and encourage each other to stay active. As the sisters prepare to run all 13.1 miles through the streets of Cardiff, they are both ready for the challenge.

"It is quite nice for both of us really," Ashleigh said. "We've been told that keeping fit and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, and training together has become part of that. Hopefully it's a nice way to mark one year of improved and improving health."

By taking on the Cardiff Half Marathon, Ashleigh and Abi are helping to fund lifesaving research and support for more than 400,000 people in Wales living with and affected by cardiovascular disease.💙

Pob lwc Ashleigh ac Abi 🫀🎽See you at the finish line!

30/09/2026

Amdani!🏃❤️

Go for it, Kristy! We can't wait to see you and Chester at the finish line 🎉

A Torfaen mum is running the Cardiff Half Marathon for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) just a week after the charity named her son a 'Heart Hero'.

One-year-old Chester Osment, from Blaenavon, was born at The Grange University Hospital with a complex congenital heart defect. The BHF invited him and his mum and dad, Kristy Evans and Ben Osment, to London on Friday 25 September for the awards.

The youngster has already undergone two open-heart surgeries and battled sepsis, endocarditis and pulmonary hypertension.

Kristy said: "Friday was incredibly emotional and overwhelming. Seeing so many brave children who have fought, and continue to fight, their own battles really brought home just how much these children go through. But more than anything, I felt incredibly proud of Chester and everything he has overcome."

They met Dr Dan and Dr Raph Olaiya- the O-Twins- who balance their TV presenting careers on CBBC with their jobs in NHS.

This Sunday, the family will be in Cardiff to cheer Kristy around 13.1 miles of the city as she raises money for the BHF.

Kristy said: "I’m really looking forward to Sunday and raising money for something that means so much to me and our family. It’s my first half marathon, so I’m definitely nervous, but I’m just going to give it my absolute best and keep reminding myself why I’m doing it."

You can sponsor Kristy on her fundraising page- link in the comments.

📸 Chester with his mum and dad, and Dr. Daniel Olaiya and Dr. Raphael Olaiya at the British Heart Foundation's 'Heart Hero' Awards (Photo credit: Thanks to the BHF for the photo)

30/09/2026

🏃 🫶 🏃‍♂️
This weekend, Cardiff Half Marathon returns and we will be profiling some of the 500 runners who have chosen to take on the challenge in the name of BHF Cymru.

This year, Jordan Barrett is taking on his first Cardiff Half Marathon in memory of his brother-in-law, Jay, who died following a cardiac arrest in May 2021, just three days before his 29th birthday. 💔 Jay had shown no previous signs of ill health, making his sudden death a devastating shock for their close-knit family.

🫀 In the years since, Jordan and his family have worked tirelessly to create a lasting legacy in Jay's memory. They previously raised funds that helped provide 14 community defibrillators, each bearing a plaque dedicated to Jay, helping to improve access to lifesaving equipment across their local area. ❤️

🎽 Now, Jordan, from Splott in Cardiff, will be joined by his dad and his wife's cousin as they take on the 13.1 miles for British Heart Foundation Cymru, raising funds for lifesaving heart research and awareness of cardiac arrest.

Jordan said: "Losing Jay turned our world upside down. He was only 28, fit, healthy and a huge part of our family, so what happened came as a complete shock to all of us. Running the Cardiff Half Marathon is a way of remembering him, doing something positive in his name and helping other families avoid the heartbreak we've experienced."

He added:"One of the things that drives me is knowing how low survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest still are. What happened to Jay showed us that cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, no matter how old or fit they are. If raising money for the BHF helps fund research, improves survival rates and raises awareness, then every mile will be worth it."

🏅 As Jordan prepares for his first half marathon, he'll be carrying Jay's memory with him every step of the way while helping to fund the research that gives hope to families affected by cardiovascular disease.

Pob lwc Jordan 👏

29/09/2026

Almost exactly ten years ago, Leigh Manley collapsed while running on a treadmill.

Today, on World Heart Day, he shares his poem ‘Warming the Bench’ on the steps of the Senedd Cymru, reflecting on his journey since being diagnosed with a rare heart condition, known as arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM).🫀

Since his collapse, Leigh has watched his children grow up, celebrated their achievements, and been there for countless family moments he once feared he might miss - and some that nearly never happened.

The poem is a powerful reminder of how much can change in a decade, and this World Heart Day, we're calling for action to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Wales over the next decade. BHF Cymru is now calling on new Members of the Senedd to be heart health champions and support our vision for Wales to see a 25% reduction in premature CVD deaths. 🌎❤️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

More than 400,000 people in Wales are living with CVD, and deaths among people under 75 remain higher than before the pandemic. Leigh’s story is also a reminder that cardiovascular disease remains one of Wales' greatest health challenges.

Mae ar Galonnau Cymru Angen Mwy 🫶

As BHF Cymru marks 65 years of life-saving research, funding cardiovascular research will give more people precious extra years with those they love and help us deliver a future where fewer families lose loved ones too soon.

❤️ Help us keep Wales beating.
Cadw Cymru’n Curo.♥️

18/09/2026

"There is life after surgery."

This is the message from Pembrokeshire Farmer, Hugh Thomas, who underwent triple heart bypass surgery in 2022.🫀
Earlier this year, as a member of The Hawkstone Farmers Choir , Hugh won Britain's Got Talent and has now performed on some of the most prestigious stages across the UK.
Hugh shares his story in the latest of our , marking 65 years of BHF research.

❤️ Bob dydd, mae tua 25 o bobl yng Nghymru yn marw o glefyd cardiofasgwlaidd.
Ond gyda’ch rhoddion chi, gall ymchwil a ariennir gan y BHF helpu i achub rhagor o fywydau.

❤️ Each day, around 25 people in Wales die from cardiovascular disease.
But with your donations, BHF-funded research can help save more lives.

21/03/2018

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