Stories

Jeni didn’t think she was a candidate for a heart attack. She’s always kept herself fit and healthy by doing regular walking, riding her bike, and attending weekly aerobics classes. So as an active 68-year-old, she was surprised when she had a heart attack.

Rotorua local, Wiremu Keepa, didn't know why he kept blacking out. But when it happened at the wheel, it uncovered a serious heart condition.

Heart disease is the single biggest killer of men and women in New Zealand, and it's dedicated volunteers like Miriam who are making a difference for Kiwis living with heart disease and raising life-saving funds for the Heart Foundation.

"What I was really proud of, well it wasn't really the work that I was proud of, but the amount of people that were involved in the day, just the cheering and the chanting – it was pretty cool."

A South Auckland women's gym is getting behind the Heart Foundation this month, to raise money to support its life-saving work and give back to the Papakura community.

Te Awamutu resident, Rose Campbell, is getting behind the Heart Foundation to support its life-saving research and support services.

Heart disease is the single biggest cause of death of New Zealanders. In a focus on Māori heart health this month, the Heart Foundation is calling for more resources to tackle heart disease in the Māori community.

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.