Heart Runners at the 2008 Great North Run

Take a look at our fantastic photos of Heart Runners who took part in last weekend's BUPA Great North Run, which we've posted on our Flickr online gallery.

Around 1,000 Heart Runners turned out for us and are hoping to raise more than £350,000 for our fight against heart disease, the UK's biggest killer.

Our thanks and congratulations once again to everyone who took part.

See the photos from the day now

Jogging for hearts

We've been overwhelmed by the success of this year’s Woburn Abbey Jog.

More than 500 joggers turned up to take part - that's double the number from last year.

We're hoping to raise £25,000 from this year’s jog and are well on target, but still need your help to reach the magic number - every penny really does make a difference.

Event Organiser, Robert Cox says: “A heartfelt thank you from everyone at the British Heart Foundation. Thanks to the money you raise the BHF will make even more progress with life-saving care in the community.”

To find out about our autumn and winter events near you, see our Event Finder on our main website.

A Mother's Story - download our latest podcast

What is life like when you find out that your new baby has a complex congenital heart condition for which, currently, there is no cure?

How do you cope with your young son undergoing weeks and weeks of treatment in hospital in his first year of life, never knowing if when you say goodbye at the doors of the operating theatre it might be for the last time?

And what about the uncertain future your son and your family now face?

Our latest BHF podcast covers all of these questions as we hear from Marion, a mother from north London whose one-year-old son was born with a heart condition.

To listen to the podcast, simply subscribe to our podcast feed on the iTunes music store or alternatively download it directly from the BHF website (right-click on this last link and then select 'Save As' to save the podcast to your computer.

A view to a thrill

The stars turned out on Sunday night for a special tribute to James Bond author Ian Fleming, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year had he not sadly died from a heart attack in 1964 at the age of 56.

The evening at the London Palladium raised funds for the British Heart Foundation, and our Chief Executive Peter Hollins was in attendance to make a thank-you speech to the sell-out audience. Here he writes about the night...

"It was a great evening with a whole host of Bond stars, made even better by the excellent organisation which the BHF team had put into playing its part in the evening, and the fact that we had so many volunteers who had given up their Sunday evening to pass around the hat (well, bucket actually) to collect donations for us.

"I had the opportunity to thank the audience, and it’s not every day that you have the opportunity to share a stage with Stephen Fry, Jeremy Irons, Daniel Craig, Beverley Knight and about twenty ex-Bond girls, nor to be introduced by Duran Duran (albeit on film!)

"But, for me, the least star-struck of people (or simply out of touch according to my kids), the high spot of the evening was unquestionably a hug from Joanna Lumley.

"Accepting lots of money for the BHF and meeting my youthful crush, as I admitted during last year’s Valentine’s campaign, in person - how much better can life get?

"I only hope my wife doesn’t read this."

Spoons man Peter hits the road to help hearts

A huge well done and thank you to all our BHF Heart Runners - around 1,000 of them in total - who took part in this year's BUPA Great North Run yesterday.

Among them was 82-year-old Peter "Mr Spoons" Lee (pictured right), from Kilmarnock, who took on his toughest challenge yet - and in doing so helped to raise vital funds for us.

Peter, 82, wore his official BHF Heart Runners vest and finished the half marathon course yesterday in three hours. He managed to raise £400 for the BHF - money that will help keep vulnerable hearts beating.

Heart patient and BHF fan Peter has previously featured in his Heart Runners top on ITV's The X Factor, when he auditioned by singing a version of Gene Kelly's Singing In The Rain while playing the spoons - watch his performance here

He said: “I joined the Heart Runners team because 16 years ago I had a triple heart bypass. By running I feel like I can give something back.

“I’m so proud to have run the Great North Run for the BHF. It was tough at times but knowing I was doing it for such a great cause kept me going.”

Julie Sorrell, our Head of Events, said: “The Great North Run is a major fundraising event for the BHF and thanks must go to all the Heart Runners and their sponsors for their support.

"The funds raised will ensure the BHF can continue to fund pioneering research that saves and improves lives.”

Heart and circulatory disease is still the UK’s single biggest killer. All funds raised by the Heart Runners team will help ensure the BHF can continue working to beat heart disease through its lifesaving research and vital prevention and care work.

Taking part in a BHF event is a great way to have fun, get fit and save lives. To apply for a place in the 2009 Great North Run visit bhf.org.uk/greatnorthrun - or call 0844 4771181.

Did you take part in the Great North Run yesterday? If so we'd love to hear from you about how it went. Simply add your comment below this post.

Get festive fit for the BHF

With the weather turning chilly, why not set yourself a goal to ward off the winter blues?

BHF Santa jogs take place across the country in December and are a great way to get fit and have fun... and support your favourite heart charity at the same time.

You'll get a free Santa suit which you can customise any way you like. You could form a festive Santa Jog team with friends, family or colleagues. Children are also encouraged to take part in the fancy dress, with small prizes offered for the best costumes.

It's never to early to get into the festive spirit. Plus you'll know you really deserve those mince pies!

Sign up to a BHF Santa jog

Check out the ITV Wales news report from the 2007 Swansea Santa Jog

James Bond night: shaken not stirred - and sold out!

We've just been informed that tickets have now sold out for the The Story of James Bond – A Tribute to Ian Fleming.

The event takes place this Sunday 5 October at the London Palladium, in aid of the BHF.

Hosted by Joanna Lumley and Stephen Fry, the night promises to be a star-studded spectacle with Bond theme music, Bond girls and guest appearances galore.

Are you one of the lucky people who managed to get tickets for the night? If so, we'd love to hear from you after the event.

Send us your photos and highlights of the night