Smashing world records way to charity’s heart

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? Sweets? Chocolates? Flowers purchased hastily from the local supermarket? One charity has been busy cutting out thousands of paper hearts in preparation for the day. 

The British Heart Foundation marked the romantic occasion by smashing a Guinness World Records title in show of solidarity for the seven million people fighting heart disease in the UK. 

With the help of almost 18,000 supporters, the charity stole the title for the longest chain of paper hearts. With the help of volunteers, they charity created a chain of 17,939, surpassing boozy giant Moët’s record of 11,288. The new chain measures almost 1.5 miles long, the equivalent to 25 standard football pitches. 

Through their 720 charity shops across the country, they asked supporters to write messages of love and support for people battling heart disease, their family and friends and in memory of those who have lost their lives to heart problems. 

Ulrika Jonsson, Esther Rantzen, Gaby Roslin and the England Women’s Hockey team showed their support by writing their own personal messages to be included in the chain. 

Calum Morris, 12, and Gabriela Atkins, 10 (both pictured above) who were both born with heart conditions joined the team of volunteers to create the chain, including their own stories on the string of red paper hearts.

On Valentine’s Day, we want to say a big thank you to all cardiac nurses who support heart patients every day! #LoveYourNHSpic.twitter.com/xn0RuDXa3R

— British Heart Foundation (@TheBHF) February 14, 2018

Simon Gillespie, CEO of the British Heart Foundation, said: 

“Seven million people in the UK suffer from heart and circulatory disease which accounts for 1 in 4 of all deaths. The British Heart Foundation is committed to funding over half a billion pounds of new research before 2020 to help bring an end to this heartbreak. 

“Bringing together so many tender yet powerful messages of love, support and hope through this Guinness World Records title attempt shows that we’re standing united against heart and circulatory disease.”

Photo: Adrian Brooks