British Heart Foundation’s Guildford Branch Treasurer is its Fundraiser of The Year

Published on: 2 Jul, 2013
Updated on: 2 Jul, 2013

The treasurer of the Guildford branch of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Joan Hornett, has been named as its UK fundraiser of the year.

Joan Hornett (right) with the Mayor of Guildford, Diana Lockyear Nibbs.

This prestigious accolade was made during last month’s Volunteers Week – the national celebration of volunteering.

Every volunteer is a real heart hero for the BHF, but Joan scooped the accolade for her outstanding dedication and commitment over 23 years’ service as a volunteer for the charity.

Joan has given everything she has to the British Heart Foundation despite going through some very tough times. She lost her son to heart disease when he was just 20 years old and then lost her husband just nine years later. As if this wasn’t traumatic enough, she was also herself diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 but continued to battle on doing everything she could to raise money for the BHF.

At the Guildford branch her relationship with key partners helps to raise thousands of pounds for the BHF and her dedication never wavers.

Joan, who lives in Aldershot, said: “I am delighted to have been given such a prestigious title as there are so many worthy volunteers who give their time to the BHF. It has been rewarding work and I have enjoyed the last 23 years.

“I have made some wonderful friends and have so many lovely memories. I would encourage anyone to volunteer for the BHF as it is such a rewarding experience and lots and lots of fun. We have a lot of support as volunteers and there are lots of things you can do to get involved. My local BHF fundraising volunteer manager is always happy to hear about fundraising ideas. I would urge everyone to get in touch and see how they can help.”

A presentation was made to her on Friday last week by the Mayor of Guildford, Diana Lockyear Nibbs, at Guildford’s Holiday Inn.

Joan Hornett with fellow Guildford branch British Heart Foundation members.

Guildford branch fundraiser Shirley West BEM said: “Our branch is delighted that Joan is BHF’s fundraiser of the year. She is a lovely, lovely lady, an honest treasurer and adding her 23 years’ service to the other nine people on our committee, we have notched up 209 years service!

“I would also like to thank Guildford’s Holiday Inn for hosting the presentation to Joan.”

The incredible number of hours Joan has put towards the fight against heart disease is helping to fund scientists in research labs. The BHF currently provide the funding for around 500 post-doctoral scientists who work in research teams right across the UK on projects to better understand how to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure heart disease.

Volunteers play a vital role in the work of the BHF. Katherine Maynard, the fundraising volunteer manager for Hampshire, said: “I am delighted that we can recognise Joan’s commitment to the BHF. She is always at the forefront of our local fundraising activity and seems to effortlessly juggle numerous tasks at one time to help bring in as much money as possible.

“I would love for other people to join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives. There is no better time to find out how volunteering your time can make a difference, so please get in touch today.”

For more information about volunteering for the nation’s heart charity visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer or contact Kathrine Maynard on maynardka@bhf.org.uk or call 01903 779569.

Locally you can call Shirley West on 01483 563071.