Chester woman is joining the British Heart Foundation in its fight to beat heartbreak forever

Rachel Smith, from Chester, will be joining the fight against heart disease by taking part in a sponsored walk to help support the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) life-saving research.

Rachel, (50), leads a group spread across the UK, to take part in ‘Gordon’s Walk’ in memory of her brother, Gordon Smith, who died suddenly last year after suffering a heart attack. He was just 45 years old.

To help raise awareness of heart health and raise vital funds for the nation’s biggest heart charity, a group of Gordon’s family, friends and colleagues are taking on this challenge. The walk takes place on 25 July 2020.

Rachel said, “This is the second year of Gordon’s Walk and our initial plans to walk in South Wales had to be abandoned due to current Government guidance, so, our 29 team members are now walking locally to where they live. We have walks taking place in Cheshire, Staffordshire and several locations in Wales. Participants will walk in family groups or at an appropriate social distance, observing local regulations.

“Gordon’s Walk was created last year to raise funds and remember a unique and special person who is very much missed by his family, friends and colleagues. It’s a great way to remember him, support each other and raise awareness of heart health and the small things that everyone can do to help themselves. We chose to walk for our fundraiser because walking regularly can really make a difference.

“We want people to be aware of the risk factors for heart disease and be able to take positive action. Having that knowledge is the first step towards a healthy heart and less heartbreak. 

“Gordon’s Walk aims to raise £1,500 for the BHF, helping them to fund the research that is so urgently needed to fight heart disease. It’s been incredibly easy to co-ordinate, and great fun to organise. It promises to be a great day for all involved.”

If you’d like to make a donation to Gordon’s Walk and the BHF, our JustGiving page can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gordonswalk2020.

Heart and circulatory disease is responsible for nearly 170,000 UK deaths each year - around one every three minutes.

Leah Goodhind, Fundraising Manager at the BHF said: “We never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary ways people fundraise for the BHF. Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial part in every breakthrough we make so we are incredibly grateful for their support.

“We urgently need more people to join our fight for every heartbeat and help power our life saving research. That’s why we’re calling on everyone across the UK to organise their own event to help support our vital work.”

For inspiration and everything you need to organise a successful event, sign up to get your free fundraising pack by visiting www.bhf.org.uk/doyourthing

For more information about the BHF please contact Leah Goodhind on 07500 057 015 goodhindl@bhf.org.uk. For an interview or images re Rachel’s story and fundraiser please contact Rachel on 07977 452 337 or rachelqsmith@btinternet.com.  

About Rachel

Rachel has lived in Chester for over 20 years. She spent many years competing on the Great Britain Dragon Boat team, winning 25 World and European medals. After retiring, she decided to row across the Atlantic with her best friend. They completed the crossing in 76 days, 11 hours and 12 minutes and were awarded two Guinness World Records. Rachel wrote a book about the crossing, ‘Antigua or Bust’ and speaks about her experiences at events across the UK.

Rachel decided on a career change in 2015 and trained to become a Paramedic. She has been working on the frontline throughout the pandemic. In her spare time she is a member and Trustee of Cheshire Search and Rescue team who search for missing people across the county.

About the BHF

Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer. For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure. Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives.

Pictured - The full team at the top of Pen y Fan in 2019.