You can help our research efforts

I WANT to thank your readers who have been supporting the British Heart Foundation (BHF) this spring by decluttering and donating items from their clear-out to their local BHF shop.

I work at the University of Swansea as a BHF professor and wanted to tell readers about my current research project, funded by the BHF. Abnormal heart rhythms – called arrhythmias – can be life-threatening. My team are looking at how changes in calcium can cause dangerous arrhythmias, and how they can be treated. This research could help scientists find new ways of treating dangerous heart rhythms.

My project is just one of more than 1,000 research projects the BHF funds at universities across the UK, investigating every aspect of heart and circulatory disease – from causes and better drugs to improving surgical techniques. Each project is only made possible by the BHF’s generous supporters and each unwanted item donated this spring brings us one step closer to the next big breakthrough.

I cannot thank the people of Wales enough for helping to support such a worthy cause. If you are yet to have your clear-out or would like to support your local BHF shop, they are always in need of items so please do keep them in mind for your unwanted items. To find your local shop, order free donation bags or find out more about home collection, please visit bhf.org.uk/bagit

Professor Alan Williams BHF funded researcher