Staff at a Dorchester leisure centre have joined the fight against heart disease.

1610 has named the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as their charity partner for 2018 to 2020 after a staff vote.

They have made a commitment to raise up to £20,000 for the BHF’s lifesaving research over the next two years via a variety of fundraising activities - and they are also encouraging members of their local community to join in.

1610 CEO Tim Nightingale said: “1610 is delighted to be working in a two year fundraising partnership with the British Heart Foundation during which time 1610 staff hope to raise £20,000 by engaging the local community in a series of sponsored fun and activity based challenges. Staff voted for the BHF as the new 1610 Charity of the Year as they recognise the impact that physical activity has on reducing rates of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke. 1610 works with many recovering cardiac patients under its Wellness Works scheme and staff can see at first hand the effects of the disease and how exercise can help in their recovery. 1610 will be working with the BHF to raise awareness of this as well as much needed funds for a vital and worthwhile cause."

Cardiovascular disease (heart conditions and stroke) kills around one in four of us, and takes the lives of more than 100 people under 75 every day in the UK.

The BHF invests over £100 million each year and is currently funding more than 1,100 projects across 50 UK Universities with over £23m being invested in the South West. The BHF does not receive any government funding; their life-saving research, prevention, survival and support work depends entirely on the generosity of the public.

Victoria Carswell, BHF fundraising manager for Dorset and Somerset added: “Our corporate partners play a crucial role in helping us win the fight against heart disease. Not only do they raise vital funds for our lifesaving research, but they also help raise awareness of the devastating impact heart disease in our communities and how we can protect against it.”

She added: “It’s thanks to the dedicated efforts of our supporters, including our corporate partners, that the BHF is able to fund world-class research into heart disease. The amount raised already through this partnership is incredible and we look forward to continuing our work together.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/companyteams/1610Ltd