Helping hearts with lifesaving research and community action for over 60 years
Heart Research UK was founded in Leeds, and our Yorkshire roots continue to shape everything we do. From this strong foundation, we’ve built an exemplary reputation for funding pioneering research and championing heart health. Our heritage reflects resilience, community, and a deep commitment to improving lives. We work closely with local partners while reaching communities across the UK. Find out how our Leeds origins power our mission today.
Cardiovascular disease is one of the biggest killers in Yorkshire. Research is the only way that we will find a cure. We have dedicated over £2m to funding transformational research projects in Leeds alone, to help stop heart diseases.
Our aim is simple; we want to provide practical support for better heart health. Whether you are in Sheffield or Scarborough, we want to arm you with the best tools, resources and information to help you take control of your heart health.
Take the first step towards a healthier heart. Register to find out where you can get a full, free heart health check in your area.
Prevention is the cure. Our library of free resources and tools can help kickstart your heart health journey today.
Looking for helpful health and wellbeing tips to help you look after you and your loved ones hearts? You have come to the right place.
Our Heart Health Resource Hub offers information, tips, and resources to help protect your heart and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Power your heart with delicious, nutritious heart-friendly recipes designed to help you eat well, stay healthy, and protect your heart.
We couldn’t fund our vital work without their dedicated help and support. Join us and help us on our mission.
There are so many ways that you can make a difference in our fight against heart diseases.
Fundraise Your Way. Find out about all the different ways you can help raise money to support our communities.
Your lived experience can help shape our work and improve life for patients, families and carers.
Whether you are living with a heart condition or have cared for a loved one, however you’ve been affected by heart diseases, we’d love to hear from you.
Help power our work in Leeds and beyond to save more lives. We want to hear from you.
Heart Research UK was founded in 1967 in Leeds with a powerful mission: to prevent the devastation caused by heart disease. Established by pioneering heart surgeon David Watson, the charity began by funding safer heart surgery and has since invested over £30 million into life-saving research and community heart health programmes across the UK. Today, that legacy continues, saving lives through innovation, prevention and education.
You can read more about how we were established here
Leeds is at the heart of everything we do. From funding the UK’s first dedicated cardiac research unit to supporting pioneering developments like tissue heart valves, Heart Research UK has driven life-saving innovation in the city. Today, we continue to fund research and community heart health programmes in Leeds, helping people live longer, healthier lives while advancing treatments that benefit patients across the UK.
You can read more about what research projects we have funded in Leeds here
Yes. Heart Research UK proudly funds heart research projects and community health initiatives across Yorkshire and beyond. By partnering with leading universities, hospitals and local organisations, we support innovative work that improves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Our Healthy Heart Grants also help communities most at risk, ensuring life-saving support reaches those who need it most.
You can read more about the research that we have funded here or you can find out more about our Healthy Heart Grants here
Booking a Heart Research UK health check is a simple step that could transform your heart health in the future. Our free community heart health checks help identify early risk factors such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. To book, simply follow this link and check availability in your area. Appointments are released regularly in targeted communities across the UK. Taking just 30 minutes, why not take the first step towards a healthier heart.
Every donation to Heart Research UK helps save lives. Your support funds vital heart research, community health checks and prevention programmes across the UK. You can donate online quickly and securely, choose a one-off gift or set up a regular contribution. Every pound brings us closer to stopping unneceesary deaths from heart diseases and giving more families precious time together.
Please consider donating here today.
Leaving a gift in your will to Heart Research UK is a powerful way to create a lasting legacy. Your future support will help fund life-saving research and heart health programmes for generations to come. We provide clear guidance on how to include a gift of any size in your will, making the process simple and meaningful.
To find out more about leaving Heart Research UK a gift in your Will please visit our Gift in Wills page here
Partnering with Heart Research UK is a meaningful way to support your employees’ wellbeing while making a real difference. From workplace health programmes and employee health checks to fundraising and sponsorship opportunities, we’ll work with you to create a partnership that aligns with your goals and values. Together, we can improve heart health and save lives across the UK.
To get involved today please fill in our enquiry form
For the last 60 years, the generosity of supporters, families and loved ones have helped us to save countless lives. Please help us save many, many more.