Jimmy’s heart of gold

The well-known local fundraiser picked up his Heart Hero Award from British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland at its annual awards recently.

Jimmy has been a volunteer with BHFNI for three years.

He regularly organises fundraising events in and around the Ballymoney and Coleraine areas.

This year he has garnered new supporters including David Dickie who did a sponsored bike ride raising £1,200, Bobby Mitchell who did a collection at his local supermarket with Joyce McBride and raised £700, and the Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club which raised £350 for the heart charity.

More recently, Jimmy and his wife Helen planned a Gala Ball in aid of BHFNI Mending Broken Hearts appeal at Lissanoure Castle.

Jimmy Walker is one of six Northern Ireland Heart Hero volunteer award winners.

The awards were presented at BHF Northern Ireland’s Annual Conference recently, providing the charity with the opportunity to recognise the great work of local volunteers.

BHF Northern Ireland director Marjory Burns paid tribute to Jimmy’s tireless work.

She said: “We would like to give a huge hearty thank-you to Jimmy Walker.

“Jimmy is enthusiastic and passionate about volunteering for BHF Northern Ireland and gets great support for everything he undertakes.

“He is a very worthy winner of our ‘Volunteer of the year’ award.”

Marjory added: “We are committed to beating heart disease together and it is the continued support of local volunteers and supporters that enables BHF Northern Ireland to take forward our vital work such as supporting 50 healthcare professionals across Northern Ireland.”

BHF Northern Ireland relies on donations of time and money to continue its life-saving work. To find out more contact Gary Wilson, fundraising volunteer manager, on 028 6863 3113 or by email on [email protected].