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ROYAL Mail colleagues are celebrating an extraordinary summer of fundraising, coming together for the Great Big Fundraising Challenge in support of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and its Community Hearts Programme.
Over the course of 3 months, Royal Mail colleagues from across the UK went above and beyond, raising nearly £400,000 for causes close to their hearts.
One of the standout efforts was the Mega Marathon, which alone raised over £40,000. Mail Centre and Parcel Hub colleagues were challenged to cover the distance from Inverness to Truro — a staggering 2,600 miles — using only non-motorised methods, stopping at Royal Mail sites along the way.
Among the many inspiring stories was Connor Ferguson, Customer Operations Manager at Belfast East Delivery Office, who led a team through the gruelling 7 Peak Challenge in Northern Ireland. Motivated by a desire to test their physical and mental limits, the team embraced the challenge as a symbol of resilience and unity. With personal connections to heart health, the cause held deep meaning.
Connor said:
“It’s inspiring to see colleagues across the UK getting involved, raising awareness and funds in creative ways. Like many others, heart health has touched our lives personally and professionally. Several team members have family or friends affected by heart conditions, and we’ve seen firsthand the importance of the BHF’s work. It made the challenge feel personal and powerful.”
Also championing the cause was Adam Knight, Regional Programme Manager for Yorkshire, who rallied his team with raffles, cold water challenges, and even a ‘dodgy shirt’ day. Adam’s connection to the cause is deeply personal — he lost his sister to congenital heart disease before he was born, and his mother, now in her mid-70s, continues to volunteer weekly at a local BHF shop. In a bold show of support, Adam even live-streamed himself getting a BHF tattoo.
Greg Sage, Director of Corporate Affairs & ESG at Royal Mail, said:
“From marathon challenges to mountain climbs, this inspiring initiative is part of a wider partnership between Royal Mail and the BHF.
“We are overwhelmed by the passion and creativity shown by Royal Mail colleagues. Every pound raised helps us get closer to our goal of saving lives and improving heart health across the UK. This partnership is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities and organisations unite for a common cause.”
This latest fundraising total will add to over £1 million raised for the Community Hearts Programme, which aims to protect heart health and save lives in communities across the UK. The funds have enabled the BHF to:
- Operate the freephone Heart Helpline
- Provide accessible heart health information
- Train thousands of young people in lifesaving CPR
- Install over 250 publicly accessible defibrillators across the UK
These initiatives are already making a tangible impact. In one case, a defibrillator donated to a Shipley Islamic Centre was used to save a resident’s life just six months after installation.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said:
“The Great Big Fundraising Challenge has showcased the power of community, compassion, and creativity all whilst raising nearly £400,000 for the BHF’s Community Hearts Programme.
“A huge thanks to all Royal Mail colleagues who took part in this mammoth challenge. You’ve shown that when Royal Mail’s reach and community spirit combine with BHF’s mission, real impact is made.”
As part of the partnership, Royal Mail has also introduced initiatives like applying a BHF postmark on mail, offering CPR training to staff, and supporting heart health with healthier meals and blood pressure monitors.
This collaboration highlights their shared commitment to combating heart disease and making a lasting impact on public health.
The Community Hearts Programme aims to protect heart health and save lives in communities across the UK. To find out more, visit BHF and Royal Mail.
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