A changed outlook on life with the desire to make a difference

Published: 11 November 2025

After being diagnosed with heart disease in 2017, Kay had a revelation: life is short, spend your time wisely. From then onwards, she was determined to make the most of her days – including getting involved in the Big Heart Appeal street collection.

“Whenever someone asks us to go on a trip, and I’m healthy enough to go, we do,” says Kay, explaining how her heart disease diagnosis has changed her life. “You just don’t know what’s around the corner, so you should enjoy life while you can.”

This refreshed zest for life isn’t just something Kay applies to her personal adventures. She also feels, after seeing the impact of heart disease firsthand, that a valuable way to spend her time is through helping others.

“A big reason I volunteer in the Big Heart Appeal street collection is because I can see how much research still needs to be done,” she explains. “I was really surprised by my own diagnosis. As far as I was concerned, I’d lived a very conservative lifestyle up until that point.”

At the time, Kay was typically active since she lived at the top of a steep hill and took walks every day. She always kept an eye on her diet, avoided heavy drinking and had never been a smoker. The only thing that would indicate her risk of heart disease was her family history.

Following her diagnosis, Kay began to research the impact of heart disease in New Zealand, particularly in women, and realised that her story wasn’t uncommon.

“When I found out that heart disease is one of the biggest killers of New Zealanders, I realised that research was the key to changing this, as well as improving people’s awareness of their heart health.”

By volunteering in the Big Heart Appeal street collection, Kay knows that she’s helping play a direct role in making this kind of progress possible. Plus, she has a lovely time connecting with others in her community.

“I like meeting new people while I collect,” she shares. “There’s been some really interesting people and it’s always good to hear their stories. And since most people know of someone who has been impacted by heart disease, they’re always friendly and generally quite supportive of the Heart Foundation.”

“It’s only two hours of your time, and I think it’s important to give back to society.”