BARRY British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru shop is appealing to local people to give the gift of time and volunteer.

The shop is in desperate need of Heart Heroes to come forward and spare any hours they can each week, no matter what age or background they have.

Volunteering with the BHF for just half a day could fund a BHF scientist to carry out life-saving research for an hour. The BHF currently provides the salaries for around 500 post-doctoral scientists who work in research teams right across the UK on projects which help us better understand how to diagnose, prevent, treat and cure heart disease.

Terry Hughes, BHF Cymru area retail manager, says: “Giving time doesn’t just benefit the Barry shop, it can also be great for the CV and help in the hunt for a new job. The shop gives volunteers the opportunity to learn new skills, gain full training and also have a guaranteed interview for any paid position that becomes available within the shop. The BHF has volunteers with a range of ages and backgrounds and it is a great way make friends and become part of a team.

Volunteers are absolutely essential to the success of our work, and play a vital part in fighting coronary heart disease, the UK’s single biggest killer. We appreciate every minute people can spare and to show how grateful we are, we also hope to give something back.

“Our volunteers can not only use and develop the skills they already have, but can also keep their foot on the career ladder, work towards qualifications and gain some excellent experience.”

The Barry BHF Cymru Shop offers a wide variety of roles from merchandising clothes, shoes and accessories to window dressing and working behind the till. The shop is keen to hear from people who have a few hours to spare each week.

For those who aren’t able to volunteer but would like to help fight heart disease, the Barry BHF shop is always looking for donations. Donated items help fill the shelves and shop floors and raise money to help the BHF fund the research that leads to breakthroughs. The Barry BHF shop operates a free collection service which can be booked by calling 01446 732497.

For more information on volunteering opportunities visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer.

The Barry BHF shop is located at 138 Holton Road, Barry.