It’s the BHFs’ 60^th birthday so what better way to celebrate 60 years of pioneering life saving research than doing 60k. We're here to  support people affected by heart and circulatory diseases and between us we'll be running, hiking, walking and cycling our way to 60k.  

In the last 60 years, dedicated fundraisers across the UK have been part of breakthroughs like heart transplants and pacemakers, stents and clot busting drugs - and our goals for the decades ahead are even more ambitious. Cures for inherited heart diseases, radically improved treatments for stroke, ways to stop vascular dementia in its tracks, and of course, recovering from the brutal blow that is the Covid-19 pandemic – our work and your support is more vital than ever. So thank you for joining us in our 60th year and beyond.

​Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive​​

Inspiration: I've been so inspired by the people who've gone the extra mile to support BHF and fundraised for us in our 60th year. ​

I particularly loved seeing the Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim back up and running as our first event of 2021, which really inspired me to get in the water for my #Team60 challenge.

Challenge: In the run up to World Heart Day I'll be swimming 30km and running 60km to raise funds for our life-saving work. From lidos to lakes and the Scottish coast - all the swimming will be outdoors, and my husband Barry will join me for the running.

​Ursula Dolton, Chief Technology Officer​

Inspiration: I took on skipping when I was 12 years old because my Dad and I used to challenge each other to see who could do the most non-stop skipping. So, it has always been my go-to exercise. ​​

​Challenge: To raise funds for the BHF's 60th birthday, I will do 60 thousand skips in 10 days and will run/walk 60km​ with Tasha, my 12 year old dau​ghter. 

​​Deadline: World Heart Day 2021

Martin Miles, Chief Finance Officer​

Challenge: I’m a keen cyclist and I’m looking forward to taking on a lap of the Isle of Wight (just over 60 miles) to visit our BHF shops and store on the island​.

Completed 30 July!

"More challenging than expected with respect to winds gusting over 50mph from the Channel.​

Wonderful hospitality from Claire at Shanklin, Steve at Ryde, Stephen and the team at Newport Home and Maria and team at Newport Standard.​"​

Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Medical Director
​Challenge: I thought I might eat sixty of my mum's samosas in 6 hours but thought that was too easy. Instead I plan to run/walk 60km over 6 days during my holiday next month.

Claire Sadler, Marketing, Fundraising and Engagement Director

Challenge: Doing my bit for the BHF's 60 birthday to raise funds for our life saving science. I thought about running 60km in 6 days, but sadly don't think my knees will allow me to do that anymore!  So, in the run up to World Heart day I've made up my own duathlon of bootcamp (mixed cardio and weights) and cycling.

6-day duathlon (is that a word) - morning Bootcamp followed by 10km cycling - every day for six days.

Maybe I can convince fellow New Malden Boot-campers and BHF-ers – Sarah Cousins and Jo Cecil to join me?!

​Kerry Smith, Director of People & Organisational Development​

Challenge: I tend to cycle around 12-20 miles on any one cycle ride so my challenge is to cycle 60K in one cycle around the rather hilly countryside of Kent and the North Downs. I won’t be alone though and have roped in my husband, who took up cycling following open heart surgery when he was 43 years old.  He loves his cycling as much as ​​me and I am hoping he will be my bike mechanic when I need it!?!​

Completed 18 August!

​"A huge thank you to Jackie Shannon and the fabulous team at the BHF Bromley shop for starting us off as we cycled to BHF Sevenoaks and the warm welcome we received from Tracey Kearns and the fantastic Sevenoaks team. Thanks to both teams for being great supporters as we completed 68.5K today (42.5 miles) and climbed over 2,500 ft (those hills in Sevenoaks were tough!)"

Mike Taylor, Commercial Director

Inspiration: Our shops have made a remarkable comeback since we reopened in April and by visiting 60 of them this summer it gives me an opportunity to thank the teams in person for the incredible job they've done.

Challenge: I’ve already taken up the challenge to visit 60 of our shops and stores in our 60th year by the end of September, and will also be doing a 60k cycle ride around Edinburgh with my daughter Emily.

Deadline: Complete all 60 shop and store visits by World Heart Day (29 September). The bike ride will take place on Saturday 28 August.​