Stories

On National Volunteer Week, 21–27 June, we're celebrating the work of volunteers like 62-year-old Eric Lynn from Greymouth who, despite a recent heart attack, can't wait to get out volunteering for the Heart Foundation again in the knowledge that his fundraising efforts can help save a life.

Long-time Wairarapa volunteer Sandra Debney reflects during National Volunteer Week on community spirit in the Covid-19 era and the potential for a greater emphasis on volunteering.

Heart health is a cause very close to the heart of 31-year-old Buddisha Silva, so she leapt at the opportunity to volunteer at the Heart Foundation, launching a new career in New Zealand.

May 2020 has turned out to be a bit different than expected for Air Force Sergeant Daphne "Daff" Pringle. She was set to compete at the Invictus Games in the Netherlands, as part of a 22-strong New Zealand Defence Force team.

Anna-Marie Fabricius graduated from the Heart Foundation’s course in Pacific nutrition this month and the Aucklander says the course has changed her life.

Personal trainer, Andy Waterworth, has kept fit and looked after himself his whole life. So when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation his first thought was 'why me?'.

Two years after heart surgery Celeste Esera has conquered her biggest and scariest goal yet.

Cycling enthusiast and dad of two, Jeff Graham, knows the importance of checking your pulse.

Owen Smith always knew that farming was the life for him. He’d grown up on a sheep farm and that was where he wanted to stay. So as someone with an active lifestyle, he never imagined there was a problem with his heart.

From a young age, Chamilka Punchihewa knew she wanted to help people.

In 2015, Pete Fleming had emergency surgery for an aortic dissection, then two years later underwent bypass surgery to insert four stents. Now, he's gearing up to participate in the Auckland Marathon as a Heart Foundation Heart Racer, alongside his friends John Bleackley and Dave Sisam – who share a similar story.

This October Adele Jecentho with be running a half marathon as a Heart Foundation Heart Racer, raising money in support of her Dad who had two heart attacks earlier this year.