A POOLE man who suffered a heart attack has been honoured by the British Heart Foundation for his outstanding contribution to the charity.

Russell Hanford marked the 10 anniversary year of his illness by raising more than £6,000 last year from a number of physical challenges.

At the age of 23 and having always been fit and healthy, he suffered a devastating heart attack. Unconscious for three days in hospital, he then spent a year recuperating and lives with only two-thirds of his heart functioning properly.

But that has not prevented him from the challenge of taking part in the sports he loves. Last year he completed the Bournemouth Bay 10k run, a half marathon, the Bournemouth Pier to Pier swim and London Triathlon.

He also raised funds for the charity by taking part in several other swimming and cycling events and triathlons.

“It was such a personal milestone for me to be still alive after 10-years,” said Russell. “It was such an overpowering sense of achievement completing each event. To receive the award was so overwhelming and the reality of the BHF’s help towards saving lives really put it into perspective. Let’s hope that in a further 10 years I can be up there again and I look forward to continuing my support to the BHF for years to come.”

Commonwealth hepthathlon champion and BHF running champion Louise Hazel presented the winners with their awards during the gala evening.

Nancy Prior, BHF head of events said it gave her great pleasure to recognise Russell’s achievement. “It is thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of people like him that we can continue to fund essential research into heart disease and save lives.”

For more information about BHF fund raising events in the area and how to get involved go to bhf.org.uk/events