Wife of the late rugby star Danny Jones, Lizzie Jones from Halifax picked up the top prize in her category at British Heart Foundation (BHF) North Heart Hero Awards.
Lizzie was awarded the Fighting Spirit category in the charity’s annual awards ceremony which recognise and celebrate 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.
For Danny Jones, playing rugby at the highest level took absolute commitment. When he died last year from a hidden heart condition, Keighley Cougars lost a key player and his wife Lizzie lost the husband she adored. Now Lizzie is showing the same commitment in her determination to raise awareness and funds for research so that other families won’t suffer the same heartbreak.
Lizzie 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 Lizzie for her amazing work raising awareness for the heart charity.
“From appearing on breakfast TV to share her story, to supporting the launch of our Miles Frost Fund campaign to improve family testing for inherited heart conditions, Lizzie has been inspirational in her work for us over the past year. It was a privilege to congratulate Lizzie and thank her 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
