Kate Hughes from Bardsey, West Yorkshire picked up the top prize in her category at British Heart Foundation (BHF) North Heart Hero Awards.
Kate was awarded the Inspiration category in the charity’s annual awards ceremony which recognises and celebrates the exceptional contribution of individuals and groups who are fighting for every heartbeat, such as heart patients who are campaigning for better services, fundraisers, partners, scientists and health professionals.
Kate Hughes has literally gone to the ends of the earth for the BHF. In the five years since her husband died of a sudden heart attack, Kate has continued to be an in inspiration. She has raised £14,000 so far to fund research into heart disease by taking on intimidating treks. She’s trekked to Everest base camp, through the Sumatran jungle. She has also rafted down the Zambezi and completed the Inca trail in Peru.
Kate was presented with her award by BHF Chief Executive Simon Gillespie at a special ceremony at the University of Leeds with more than 70 people in attendance.
Simon Gillespie said:
“Our annual Heart Hero Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution that our supporters make to our fight against heart disease. And we’re delighted to recognise Kate for her amazing fundraising work which has taken her all over the globe. It was a privilege to congratulate Kate and all of our supporters who are helping to fight for every heartbeat.”
The Heart Hero Awards have five award categories: Inspiration Award; Young Hero Award; Innovation Award; Influencing Award and Fighting Spirit Award. The winners were announced at BHF North Annual Supporter Conference at the University of Leeds, a free event where the charity’s supporters found out about local heart research, heard an update from Chief Executive Simon Gillespie and met other volunteers, fundraisers, patients and health professionals.
To find out more about future upcoming conferences visit bhf.org.uk/conferences
