Stories

When Maketu coastguard volunteer Henry Samson flew to the UK for his father’s 90th birthday in 2024, he never imagined his brothers, and two strangers, would end up saving his life.

When well-known New Zealand artist Greg Straight woke up on one morning in June, the 52-year-old had no idea his life was about to hang by a thread.

After years of unknown symptoms, Karen had a frightening heart event on Christmas Day. But that shock became her wake up call - pushing her to heal and listen to her heart and instincts once more.

Tania thought she was setting off on a wellearned holiday when she boarded a flight to Australia last November. Instead, the fit, music loving grandmother from the Bay of Plenty ended up in intensive care, in a coma and fighting for her life.

When Palmerston North runner Martin Boult crossed the finish line of the 10km Rotorua ‘Run the Forest’ event in August, he didn’t know he was hours away from a potentially devastating heart attack.

For decades, Denise, a nurse, midwife, and caregiver, was the one people turned to in moments of crisis.

Working for New Zealand’s leading heart charity, the Heart Foundation, for nearly a decade, Ian was passionate about raising awareness and the risks of heart disease. He never imagined, he would be the one fighting for his life.

Never in a thousand years did Christine expect her tonsillectomy to lead to an out-of-the-blue heart condition diagnosis. She kept fit by walking every day, ate well and looked after her health. It’s her personal experience that inspired her to support the Big Heart Appeal street collection.

When John suffered a completely unexpected heart attack, he was blown away with the efficiency and care of the medical team who treated him. Seeing just what an amazing impact health professionals make, he was inspired to give back in the Big Heart Appeal street collection.

Big-hearted volunteers will be out in full force in February 2026 as part of the Heart Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Big Heart Appeal.

An 85% blockage in a major artery changed Philip’s life forever. Gone were his busy days of teaching in schools across Auckland. Instead, he and his wife started a new chapter together in Matamata – a town that Philip considers the epitome of warmth and generosity.

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.