I AM writing to encourage your readers to help the British Heart Foundation in its fight against heart disease by volunteering in their local BHF Shop.

This September, the charity has launched a campaign to encourage people with a little spare time to think about volunteer opportunities. Whether you have a couple of hours a day to help sort through donations or two days a week to spend on the shop floor, it all makes a difference.

Most people know someone affected by heart disease and all volunteers make a tremendous contribution to ensure that BHF shops continue to raise more than £8 million a year to help fund much needed research, education, patient care and life-saving equipment.

But above all, joining a BHF shop team is a great way to widen your social circle many volunteers make friends for life? Whatever your reason for volunteering, be it to get some work experience or to meet new people, by giving a little, you will gain a lot.

So, what are you waiting for. Your local BHF shop needs you call in any time and have a chat with the manager over a cuppa to find out how you can become part of the scene.

Alternatively you can call 0870 120 4141 to be connected to the nearest shop.

GLORIA HUNNIFORD

TV Presenter

British Heart Foundation

Fitzhardinge Street

London