Who is your Heart Hero? The medical research charity is encouraging locals to open their heart and nominate the people they believe deserve a Heart Hero Award from the British Heart Foundation. The charity’s Heart Hero Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution of individuals and groups who are fighting for every heartbeat, such as heart patients, fundraisers, campaigners, scientists and health professionals.

People like local health professional Jo Dennis who works at Heartlands NHS Foundation Trust .  Jo was recognised for her heroic contribution to saving lives in the West Midlands at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Heart Hero Awards 2016 in Birmingham.

Jo said “I have a fantastic team around me.  They are making a huge difference for cardiac victims, with their unique and advanced cardiac nursing skills, speeding up both their assessment process as well as the swift progress through to discharge.  I'm very proud of their dedication and skilled care. This recognition is for the whole of my team.”

There are four award categories: Inspiration Award; Young Hero Award; Heart Health Professional Award and Fighting Spirit Award.

Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation explains: “We are very lucky to have passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic supporters. These awards are a way to recognise our heart patients, their families and the people who fundraise for us. All those fighting for a world in which people do not die prematurely from heart disease.

“Coronary heart disease is still our single biggest killer and nearly every family has been affected one way or another, whether they’ve felt the sudden devastation of losing someone to a heart attack, or they’re caring for a child or teenager born with congenital heart disease.

“Who has inspired you with their drive and determination to fight for every heartbeat? They might be someone who’s improving services for heart patients, a fundraiser who’s brilliant at organising community events or a heart patient who’s inspiring others by overcoming daily challenges.

“It’s really easy to nominate your friend, colleague or relative and they could be one of our Heart Heroes for 2017.”

Nominations should be made online at bhf.org.uk/heartheroes and all entries will be considered.