Golfers get CPR and defibrillator support from new golfing app Posted on May 1, 2025May 26, 2025 by laure@heartresearch.org.uk Course defibrillator locator & CPR instructions on Motocaddy app welcomed by Heart Research UK Motocaddy, the world’s top-selling powered trolley brand, is upgrading its popular free-to-use GPS app to incorporate potential lifesaving features that indicate the location of on-course defibrillators and provide golfers with CPR instructions to administer to anyone suffering a cardiac arrest when playing golf.The addition of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) locator and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) instructions has been welcomed by leading charity Heart Research UK. So far, more than 700 golf clubs around the UK and Ireland have registered the location of one or more defibrillators with the app, which also and features a simple six-step guide on ‘How to Perform CPR.’ Helen Wilson, Head of Research at Heart Research UK, said: “It is estimated that there are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year and the overall survival rate is less than 1 in 10.“Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by up to 10 per cent and performing CPR can more than double the chances of survival in some cases. We fully support the work being done by Motocaddy and we hope that the number of golf courses that offers access to at least one defibrillator increases. ”Golfers get CPR and defibrillator support from new golfing app
Science in her stride Posted on April 25, 2025May 23, 2025 by laure@heartresearch.org.uk Meet Caterina, a passionate PhD researcher at Queen Mary University of London, who’s taking her commitment to heart research beyond the lab. Specialising in atrial fibrillation and using artificial intelligence to find better treatments, Caterina is running the London Marathon for Heart Research UK. Motivated by her family’s own battles with heart disease, she’s not just researching solutions, she’s fundraising to make them a reality. She shares her journey of both research and personal connection in the fight against heart diseases. Could you tell us about yourself and your research? “My name is Caterina Vidal Horrach, and I’m from Majorca, Spain. I moved to the UK in 2018 to pursue my studies. Currently, I’m working on a PhD titled “Designing mechanism-specific treatment approaches for atrial fibrillation through patient-specific modelling & artificial intelligence”. This research focuses on a specific type of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition where the heart beats irregularly, which can lead to stroke, heart failure and other complications. I use artificial intelligence to explore the best treatment approaches for this condition. “I collaborate with clinicians who provide hospital data, which we use to create a digital twin of the patient’s heart. A digital twin is a virtual model of the heart that lets researchers study its function and test treatments without involving the patient directly. This allows us to study the arrhythmia and understand its underlying mechanisms, as it affects each patient differently. We also test how the heart might respond to various treatments. Our ultimate goal is to identify the most effective procedure for each patient model.” What inspired you to pursue research in cardiology? “I studied biomedical sciences at university and really enjoyed it. After finishing my master’s, I wanted to pursue a PhD because I had a strong passion for research, and I became particularly interested in artificial intelligence. Although I had never worked in cardiology before, I thought it would be an exciting area to explore because I’ve always been fascinated by the heart and its anatomy. “My mum, being a doctor and active in these fields, reads a lot of papers and often tells me, ‘You have no idea how much is needed in cardiology and how hard it is to find effective treatments.’ I decided to go for it, and I’m so glad I did because it’s been an amazing field to dive into. The clinicians and cardiologists I speak to are incredibly kind and passionate, as are other researchers in the field. “My family has a long history of heart problems. At first, I thought it was just my grandparents who had aortic aneurysms, but I realised it affected many more of us. People often think of heart problems as just heart attacks, but there’s so much more to it. The heart is a vast field, and heart problems can affect other areas of the body as well. Thinking about my grandparents and other family members who have experienced heart problems, I knew there was real meaning behind this work.” What motivated you to run the London Marathon for Heart Research UK? “I went to watch the London Marathon last year because a friend of mine was running, and I felt really inspired. I remember thinking, ‘I’m going to run it!’ “I’d always said to my supervisor that I wanted to do something big to mark the end of my PhD. She told me about how she once did a charity cycle from London to Brighton, and that really stuck with me. That’s when I had the idea of running the London Marathon. I just thought it would be so much fun. I kept saying, ‘What if I did it and finished strong? Wouldn’t that be amazing?’ “So, I watched the marathon, entered the ballot, and of course didn’t get in because it’s so competitive. But I still really wanted to do it. I had this idea stuck in my head that I wanted to do something big and meaningful, something for a really good cause. And I didn’t tell anyone I was applying to run for charity. I knew I wanted to support a smaller charity because for me, that felt more personal and impactful. “Given my family history of heart diseases and having dealt with that kind of loss and even just going through the process of being in hospitals and seeing it firsthand, it’s really hard. It’s painful and sad to watch because once you have a cardiac issue, it can recur, and that’s terrifying. You start wondering, ‘Will my parents develop it? Will I?’ You can do all the right things, exercise, stay healthy, but it still lingers in your mind. It’s tough to think about. “I try not to anticipate the worst and just take things one day at a time. Medicine has come such a long way, and if anything else happens, we’ll deal with it as it comes. There are treatments and support now, so we try not to live in fear. But it’s still scary, especially when you’ve already seen what it can do.” What motivates you to continue your involvement in heart research and fundraising for it? “When I talk to people who have had heart problems and when I do the research, the best way to stay calm and positive is by reminding myself that I’m making a difference. “I’m doing research to help address this issue, and I’m also running the London Marathon for charity to raise money for the same cause. The funding for research needs to come from charities, and they’re the ones who make it happen. For me, the best way to approach the situation is to ask myself, ‘What can I do to make a change?’ I’ve chosen to focus on research, and by raising money for charities, I’m contributing to the full circle of support that drives progress.” How are you feeling as the marathon approaches, and how is your training going? “It’s really comforting when people tell you that they appreciate the work you’re doing. Within our research group and marathon team, some have had heart problems themselves or know people who have and hearing their gratitude is so encouraging. It reminds me why I’m doing this. I’ve received so many thanks from family members, friends, and others and it’s just really rewarding. It keeps me going, knowing that, in some way, I’m helping other people. “Training is also motivating. I follow a plan, push through it, and talk to people who constantly ask how it’s going. Staying motivated is key, and running really helps. It’s not just physical, it helps my mental health too. Running gives me good energy for the day, and that ties back into my research. It keeps me focused, and I’m really excited to see how it all goes. From what I’ve seen, the environment at the marathon is incredible, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.” Caterina’s journey shows that every step counts in the fight against heart diseases. Ready to make an impact? Run the London Marathon for Heart Research UK and be part of the movement that’s funding pioneering heart research. Together, we are building a future free from heart diseases. Join the fight
Bloom Boutique Launches New Necklace and Extends Partnership with Heart Research UK Posted on February 7, 2025May 23, 2025 by laure@heartresearch.org.uk We are delighted to share that our valued corporate partner, Bloom Boutique, has launched a brand-new necklace as part of their ongoing commitment to tackling heart diseases in women. Every year, twice as many women in the UK lose their lives to heart diseases than to breast cancer. Tragically, many of these deaths could be prevented – women often face delays in receiving medical help, a 50% higher chance of misdiagnosis after a heart attack compared to men, and a harder time accessing treatment. Through our continued partnership with Bloom Boutique, we aim to raise awareness, drive change, and support life-saving initiatives to improve heart health across the UK. The latest edition of Bloom Boutique’s charity heart necklace builds on the success of their previous design and coincides with the renewal of their partnership with Heart Research UK for a second year. With every necklace sold, a portion of proceeds will be donated to fund vital research and outreach, reaffirming Bloom Boutique’s commitment to making a difference. This collaboration has already had a powerful impact, raising essential funds for pioneering medical research and community health checks. By purchasing this beautiful necklace, you’re not just adding a timeless piece to your jewellery collection, you’re also helping to protect the hearts of women everywhere. Get yours today and wear your support for women’s heart health. Together, we can save lives and spark change for our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends across the UK. Get you necklace today
In conversation with British orienteers: Navigating fitness and heart health Posted on July 4, 2024May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Heart Research UK’s Heart of Scotland Appeal is proud to be the Official Charity Partner of the World Orienteering Championships (WOC 2024) in Edinburgh this July. This partnership combines the excitement of orienteering with the vital mission of promoting heart health. In this Q&A, we speak with British orienteers Kirstin Maxwell and Mairi Eades, who will compete in the elite races at the Sprint WOC 2024. Read on as Mairi and Kirstin share their passion for orienteering, the health benefits of the sport and practical tips for keeping your heart in top shape. Q.1: How did you first get into orienteering? Mairi: “I’ve been orienteering my whole life. My parents, who both started at a young age, met through the sport at university and brought me up orienteering. It’s a fun family affair.” Kirstin: “I’ve been orienteering since I was 10 years old. My dad, always a runner and involved in motorsport, found orienteering to be more family-friendly than car racing. As I participated in more orienteering events, I was invited to a development day for the Scottish team. I met many people and realised how great this outdoor sport is. I began to really enjoy orienteering because of the opportunities it provided. As my passion grew, it became a huge part of my life, and I’ve never looked back.” Q.2: How has orienteering influenced your overall health and fitness, particularly heart health? Mairi: “Orienteering provides me with continuous goals to work towards. It motivates me to train and stay healthy, so I can perform my best at competitions and maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. It also encourages me to ensure I have a balanced diet to fuel my performance.” Kirstin: “Orienteering keeps you active and it’s said that one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to exercise. It’s a sport where you can either walk or run, and if you do run, you can go at your own pace. Orienteering is a great way to exercise and boost your health; it takes your mind off the exertion and into a beautiful place.” Q.3: In what ways do you maintain your heart health through your training and lifestyle choices? Mairi: “I like to keep active outside by walking, jogging, running, and cycling. This can be for commuting to work or recreation. Listening to the body is key and hence sleep is always a priority for me. No matter how healthy you’re eating or how much you’re training, you always need to rest and recover.” Kirstin: “I take care of myself because I want to be the best I can be, which has a knock-on effect on my overall health. Through my training, I’ve learned to pay close attention to things like my heart rate. If it’s elevated, it might indicate that something’s off, prompting me to adjust my activities accordingly. Being an athlete means being quite in touch with your body.” Q.4: Can you share any personal experiences or stories about heart health that have impacted you? Mairi: “My mum had a heart attack recently which shows that heart diseases can occur unexpectedly to anyone, even if you’ve lived a healthy lifestyle your whole life. So, do your best to prevent any health issues and maintain a good lifestyle, but don’t be discouraged if something happens. Unfortunately, even with a lifetime of healthy habits, things can still go wrong.” Q.5: This year, the World Orienteering Championships have partnered with Heart Research UK. How do you feel this partnership can generate awareness and promote heart health within the orienteering community? Mairi: “Exercise is essential for a healthy heart, and orienteering exercises both body and mind simultaneously. It offers a fun challenge and adventure. This partnership is a fantastic reminder for everyone, including elite athletes, about the importance of heart health.” Kirstin: “It’s great to be working with the charity. Orienteers may become more conscious about heart health, and charity supporters might see orienteering as a way to stay active. This partnership can encourage people to maintain their fitness and view orienteering as a viable exercise option.” Q.6: How do you balance the competitive nature of the sport with the enjoyment and adventure of orienteering? Mairi: “It can be difficult to balance these, especially during big races, but at the end of the day, I always come back to the realisation that this sport is so fun and unique. The sport allows us to travel to amazing places around the world, meeting new people and making friends across the world. I am always grateful to be a part of it and all the benefits that come with it.” Kirstin: “As I’ve matured, I’ve realised that when you’re young, a bad race can feel like the end of the world. I’ve spent a lot of time feeling upset, but experience has taught me that hard work is what truly matters. Reminding yourself of the good times, like getting selected or having an amazing run, helps on tough days. When you truly enjoy something and work hard, the buzz you get makes it all worth it. If you’re not enjoying your training every day, it’s time to change something about it.” Q.7: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in taking up orienteering? Mairi: “People are often nervous about trying orienteering, but I believe you just have to give it a go. If you find it difficult, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need. Dive in and don’t fear getting lost. Even elite athletes still get lost, so it’s not a problem.” Kirstin: “There are local clubs all over the UK and you can find events on the British Orienteering website. If you’re near Edinburgh, come watch us at the World Championship races to see elite orienteers, many of whom represent their countries in athletics. Just get out there and try it, don’t worry if you don’t succeed right away. The important thing is to enjoy the fresh air and keep trying until it clicks.” Q.8: What message would you like to share about the importance of heart health? Mairi: “Remember that your heart is very important, so take the time to look after it. A few simple things, like getting outside, staying active and resting when you need to, can make a big difference. Listen to your body and keep it healthy.” Kirstin: “It’s important to take care of ourselves, especially our hearts, and enjoy life since we’re only here once. This means finding what works for you, especially with exercise. While exercise is beneficial, it doesn’t have to be intense. Enjoying activities with friends or family, like orienteering, can make a big difference. The key is to find what works for you and enhances your life.” Taking place from 12th to 16th July 2024, Edinburgh will host the Sprint World Orienteering Championships. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to the sport, join us for the WOC Tour, featuring six exciting races for all ages and skill levels. Explore the best of urban orienteering and be part of this incredible event in support of the Heart of Scotland Appeal.
An outdoor gym for the female heart Posted on March 4, 2024May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Heart Research UK and The Great Outdoor Gym Company (TGOGC) have joined forces to create the ultimate outdoor fitness space that is more female-friendly. Studies show that up to 40% of women are not meeting the recommended weekly exercise target of 150 minutes, leading to the alarming increase in heart disease among women. To address this issue, we are inviting women and girls to co-create our upcoming outdoor gym designs so that they can be tailored to better meet their needs. Your participation in our survey will provide valuable insights into what you consider essential in an outdoor fitness environment. Your input will help shape the future of fitness spaces and empower women to prioritise their cardiovascular health. About The Great Outdoor Gym Company Co-founded by female designer, Georgie Delaney MBE, The Great Outdoor Gym Company has pioneered outdoor gyms in the UK and has installed over 2500 worldwide. Their vision is help create healthier people and a healthier planet. Georgie wants to break TGO’s own mould and develop new inspiring designs that women feel excited to belong to. Georgie Delaney MBE at the Great Outdoor Gym Company: “Co-creation is a key part of our design process. We also value inclusivity, sustainability, diversity, safety and quality.” Helen Flaherty at Heart Research UK: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the Great Outdoor Gym Company, which aligns perfectly with our goal to get people more active. We want to see physical activity become a fundamental part of life for all women and girls. Increasing physical activity is crucial for reducing the risk of coronary heart disease because it helps with maintaining a healthy weight, managing cholesterol levels and reducing high blood pressure.”
Heart Research UK and Indian Block Print Co. Partnership: Maggie’s Story Posted on November 14, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield “My heart attack came out of nowhere with no warning. ”Maggie Sheehan, Founder of the Indian Block Print Co., and her daughter Tess Hucker are sharing their experience after Maggie’s heart attack, as part of a new partnership between Heart Research UK and The Indian Block Print Co., which has created a limited-edition heart tea towel block print kits. In 2014, Maggie Sheehan was travelling to Heathrow Airport on the M25 when she began to feel unwell. Then, the 58-year-old was overcome with a tight feeling in her chest and suddenly passed out. Her daughter, Tess Hucker who runs the company with her, was driving at the time and had to pull onto the hard shoulder and call 999. Shortly after Tess made the emergency call, Maggie regained consciousness. Maggie, 67, said: “I couldn’t move my upper arms and the pain was so bad, it went all across my chest. I came to the frightening realisation that I am either having a heart attack or a stroke.” At that moment, 20-year-old Tess was unsure what to do to help her mum and felt completely helpless. Tess, now 29, said: “My mum was so frightened. She was in a lot of pain. It makes me emotional to relive it because Mum started saying goodbye to me. It was horrible.” “I was one of the lucky ones, I’m here to tell my story, but sadly there are so many people who aren’t as lucky and a simple heart health check with your GP could be lifesaving.” When the ambulance arrived, they quickly identified that Maggie was having a heart attack, and she was taken to Harefield Hospital. Maggie explained: “I remember being in a lot of pain, but it happened so quickly. When we got to the hospital, they quickly identified that I had a blockage in my heart, and they were going to put a stent in.” After the surgery, Maggie went to rehabilitation at her local hospital, where she made a full recovery and was given advice on how to improve her lifestyle. Both Maggie and Tess decided to get matching heart tattoos on their wrists after their experience to mark the spot where Maggie’s lifesaving stent was inserted. Maggie continued: “My heart attack came out of nowhere with no warning, so it would have been a silent killer for me. I’ve always thought if I’d been on my own that day, that would have been the end of it.” Inspired by Maggie’s and Tess’s experience, the Indian Block Print Co. has partnered with national heart charity, Heart Research UK, to raise money and awareness of heart diseases in women by creating a limited-edition heart tea towel block printing craft kit. Maggie explained: “I was told my blood pressure, and my cholesterol were very high. I hadn’t prioritised my health before I had the heart attack. There was nothing wrong with my health. I felt I was healthy and normal. “My message to all women is to go get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked as soon as possible. It came out of nowhere, so please don’t let denial get in the way of your health. I was one of the lucky ones, I’m here to tell my story, but sadly there are so many people who aren’t as lucky and a simple heart health check with your GP could be lifesaving.”£10 from every sale of the heart tea towel block print craft kits will be donated to Heart Research UK, supporting their lifesaving research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases. The Indian Block Print Co. and Heart Research UK: limited edition heart tea towel block print kit is available to buy now from: www.theindianblockprintco.com
Leave a lasting legacy Posted on October 2, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill October is Make a Will month, and you can claim yours for free from Heart Research UK. Writing a Will is something many people put off, but it’s important to have one in place to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of when you’re no longer here. It can also be a way of leaving a lasting legacy, by leaving a gift to Heart Research UK. Too many of us have been affected by heart diseases. There are over seven million people living with cardiovascular disease in the UK, killing one in four people. Gifts in Wills have the power to change the future and stop heart diseases claiming so many lives. Heart Research UK is working hard to fund lifesaving medical research to find new treatments and cures, deliver ground-breaking training and education, and to help communities to improve their heart health.86% of our work is funded through gifts in Wills, from people like Steve. Steve remembers the day he lost his beloved partner Jackie. It felt like a normal evening. Steve had been out with Jackie when she started feeling unwell. She went home, and Steve told her to ring him in the morning to make sure she was okay. But she never called. “My soulmate had suddenly died from a heart attack,” Steve says .Jackie was only 59 when she died and is among approximately 23,000 women who die from coronary heart disease every year in the UK. Steve wanted to do something to remember Jackie by. “It seemed quite natural to create a legacy in favour of Heart Research UK in my Will,” he says. If you, like us, want a future free from heart diseases, leave us a gift in your Will.
Thirteen-year partnership between Heart Research UK and Subway® is coming to an end Posted on April 17, 2023May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill Launching in 2009, Heart Research UK and Subway® have been in partnership for 13 years and have raised over £1 million for local communities across the UK. The purpose of the partnership was based on the mutual commitment of both organisations to support local communities who needed more heart health intervention. The money raised throughout the partnership was spent on Healthy Heart Grants throughout the UK. These grants enabled grass root organisations to access the funding needed for new, original and innovative projects that actively promoted a healthy heart and helped prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease in areas where the provision for such learning, understanding and application wasn’t available. In many areas of social deprivation there are little or no resources for teaching people about their heart and the importance of living a healthy life. In these communities, obesity is more prevalent. The partnership between Subway® and Heart Research UK aimed to change this. The Healthy Heart Grants were given where they were needed most, to local groups with in-depth knowledge of the needs of their area, benefitting the people most at risk of heart disease. The people who benefit from these grants have often not had the opportunity to learn about their heart or how to reduce their risk of heart disease. The learnings have been invaluable to them and also their family and friends who have learned from them. Simple provisions such as cooking classes for adults with learning difficulties or walking and exercise groups for the blind have significantly improved the quality of life for participants. Subway® franchisees got heavily involved with the partnership and their enthusiasm towards the work they were funding was fantastic and really inspiring. Each store had a collection box and many engaged with the Healthy Heart Grants which ran in their local communities. Some staff even got involved in the grants process and sat on the panel to help shortlist the applications and assist with making the final decisions. They gave an external perspective on the projects and a different point of view to the Heart Research UK team. The biggest Subway® fundraiser throughout the 13 years of the partnership was the Subway Helping Hearts Family 5Ks, which were launched in 2011. The series of 5K runs gave local families in each of the Subway® regions the chance to enter a race where everyone could take part and enjoy. Buggies, dogs and even wheelchairs made their way around the course before participants enjoyed entertainment and a healthy Subway lunch at the end. They were incredibly popular with the highest turnout being 2,500 runners at one of the Belfast events!After 13 fantastic years, the partnership has now come to an end and Heart Research UK would like to offer their huge thanks and sincere gratitude to all the team at Subway for everything they have helped the charity achieve. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “Being partnered with a huge global brand like Subway® for such a long period has been an absolute pleasure. They raised over £1million throughout the partnership and thanks to them we’ve been able to support thousands of people across the country, helping them live healthier, happier and longer lives. The team at Subway® did more than just fundraise, they fully integrated themselves in the partnership and this is one of the reasons it was such a long and successful relationship. “Strategic partnerships like this are such a huge benefit to charities like ours. The shared social mission of both organisations created the level of ambition needed to raise the money and reach the thousands of people who really needed our help. “Without Subway®, our healthy heart grants wouldn’t have been possible and we would like to offer our sincere thanks to them for allowing us to do so much more and help many more people.” Beneficiaries of some our partnership projects have said: “I can’t believe for seven years I have not been able to convince my child to eat a tomato and now he’s coming home excited telling me what he’s been making and even helping me cook at home. This is a fantastic opportunity. Thank you.” ‘’It’s been 55 years since I cycled but once you get out there and get cycling you feel 100% better for it. The Healthy Heart cycle project has made a big difference to me. It’s helped me be more active than I’ve been in years and I’ve lost just over 2 stone.” The Subway® and Heart Research UK partnership has positively impacted on people being able to keep their loved ones around for longer, successfully reaching across diverse and hard to reach communities.
New corporate partnership – Assured Mobility Ltd Posted on October 5, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill We are delighted to welcome our new corporate partner, Assured Mobility Ltd. Assured Mobility Ltd, are a family-run business and specialists in a range of mobility products that support independent living. Many of their customers are living with heart failure and other serious health conditions, and this year-long partnership will both raise funds towards research into heart failure and help their staff better understand their customers’ needs. “Heart Research UK are a great charity with a real purpose at the core. Being research and cure focused they can make a real improvement to people’s lives, which mirrors our values as a business. Being a smaller charity means they are available to help make the fundraising process as effective as possible. We are really looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labours over the next year.” David Eatwell, Director Their fundraising activity will include donations on a range of products, a donation for every customer review, a Christmas Raffle, ‘The Big Stich’, coffee mornings and a sponsored Tough Mudder. You can donate here: Assured Mobility is fundraising for Heart Research UK (justgiving.com) Thank you so much, David and Team. We look forward to the year ahead.
A beginner’s guide to collecting art Posted on October 4, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Being an art novice can be daunting, especially when you’re surrounded by collectors who have years of experience. However, buying your first artwork should spark enjoyment as the piece can be a great investment for years to come. Art sales have also been on the rise. An annual report by Art Basel and UBS Global Art in 2022 estimated that across the world art sales had exceeded $65.1 billion in 2021, with an increase in sales by 29%. This increase in demand means that now might be the perfect time to start your journey as a collector. To help you on your way to become an expert collector, we have a few top tips to make the process enjoyable and so you feel confident in your future art endeavours. Get familiar with different art genres and artists Art is not simply made up of one type of genre and over the years artists and art lovers alike have welcomed a myriad of textures, colours and styles. From Modern Art to Surrealism, there is a plethora of styles to choose from and finding your favourite style can be overwhelming. It’s important to get to grips with the different art genres before venturing into buying a piece of artwork. For a quick overview for spotting the different art genres, we recommend reading our article on your basic guide to art genres and where they work best in your home. This will give you a basic understanding of genres so you can find what best suits you. Trust your personal style and taste After brushing up on your genres. It is time to assess what you really like and want out of your piece of art. Art is about representing your individuality and taste. The art you are buying and placing on the walls of your home should be something you enjoy. So, when buying a piece of art, make sure you assess whether the piece is the right match for you and your home. It is not worth buying a piece spontaneously and not liking it in years to come. Does it match your interior design? It’s worth assessing your own personal space. What interior design do you have? What colour palette are you looking for? Having the wrong mixture, and clashing colours can create a space which is chaotic. For example, having an extremely modern interior wouldn’t match the bright and loud colours found in Pop Art. So, make sure you write a checklist of what you want in your home and how it will best suit your lifestyle. This means when you’re considering buying the artwork, you know it’ll perfectly compliment your space. Set your budget It’s easy to spend large amount on a piece of art you think will be worth the investment. However, a mistake some buyers can make is buying art which is too expensive to then never generate any profit back. Now you’ve read our beginners guide on collecting art, why not start your own collection by bagging a piece of artwork in the anonymous heART project auction. Not only will you be bringing your dream collection to life, but you will be funding vital research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.
Helping hearts runs in the family Posted on September 7, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen London Marathon 2022 is taking place on the 2nd of October. This year’s race follows a record-breaking year with roughly 40,000 people taking part in 2021. We’re lucky to always have so many amazing people running the London Marathon for us, and this year is no different. Among our runners this year there are actually two people with family ties to the charity!Phoebe WatsonPhoebe is the granddaughter of Dr David Watson, who founded Heart Research UK in 1967 after the death of a young patient. She’s running the marathon for the second time, admitting she feels terrified as she hurt her knee last time. Still, running for Heart Research UK is very important to her, and she’s proud of the work her grandfather did. “I don’t work in science or healthcare myself, so being able to contribute to the funding of more research by running feels great,” Phoebe says. Phoebe has a friend who’s had a heart problem since they were a baby, and it’s because of research that this person is still here today. Perhaps even research that her grandfather was able to support. Mathew’s dad is Kevin Watterson, a retired cardiac surgeon and one of our trustees. Mathew used to be a big runner about 10 years ago, doing events like Marathon Des Sables, a 251 km ultramarathon in the Sahara Desert. After a few busy years, turning 40 has inspired him to pick it back up again, to stay healthy for his family. Mathew didn’t think a lot about his dad’s job until a few years ago, when his wife mentioned his last name to someone at work. The colleague looked shocked for a second and asked if Mathew was Kevin Watterson’s son. The colleague then told the story of their daughter who had been extremely ill as a baby and needed multiple heart operations over the years to repair it. She initially had limited life expectancy, but luckily she was now 19 and healthy. They were incredibly grateful to Kevin Watterson and said they didn’t think the daughter would be alive without him and his work. Having his own kids, these stories have haunted Mathew, and he’s very keen to raise money for researchers to carry on the great cause that his dad contributed to. 50 years ago, 80% of babies born with a heart defect died, but now 80% survive, due to the great research being funded across the world. “Although most babies born with a heart defect now survive, 20% of them still don’t. Hopefully with more money for research, they might do in the future,” Mathew says. Mathew has a brilliant Instagram page (@one.more.beat) where you can follow his journey of training for the marathon, including some healthy heart tips from his dad who is his biggest supporter. His dad also ran the marathon for us back in 2004. Phoebe Watson says: “I don’t work in science or healthcare myself, so being able to contribute to the funding of more research by running feels great.” Mathew Watterson says: “Although most babies born with a heart defect now survive, 20% of them still don’t. Hopefully with more money for research, they might do in the future.”
Student artist to be showcased in celebrity art auction for the anonymous heART project Posted on July 6, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen This year marks the fifth anniversary of our anonymous heART project and to celebrate, we partnered with law firm Walker Morris to offer an exclusive opportunity to the students at Leeds Arts University. The anonymous heART project launched in 2018 and is an innovative fundraising campaign that sees top artists and celebrities produce unique pieces anonymously, which are then auctioned online. All proceeds go towards helping fund vital medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. This year’s auction will add to the £200,000 raised over the last four years. The students at Leeds Arts University were asked to submit a concept for an A5 postcard, with an open brief that could include textile, illustration, photography, music or creative writing – as long as it fits onto an A5 postcard. This year’s finalists have been named as: Aalia Ashraf – Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, Juliet Gaskell – level 5 BA (Hons) Visual Communication, Louise Allen – MA Creative Practice, Nicole Chang – level 5 BA (Hons) Visual Communication, Lauren Crawford – level 5 BA (Hons) Illustration and Thea Wormald – level 4 BA (Hons) Fine Art. The winning design will be commissioned and auctioned as part of the anonymous heART auction alongside professional artists and celebrities taking part in the project. The winner will also receive £1,000 in prize money. Walker Morris sponsored the first anonymous heART project in 2018 and again in 2021. This year’s auction will go live on eBay on 4 November and will see up to 500 A5 creations auctioned, including pieces from Ashley Jackson, Sarah Graham, Ralph Steadman, Andrew J Millar, Naomi Vona, Otto Schade and Bambi. However – the artist’s name will only be revealed once the piece has been sold and received by its new owner. David Smedley, Chairman of the LLP and a judge for this project, said: ‘Walker Morris is immensely proud to be sponsoring the anonymous heART project again this year, as well as being able to offer this unique opportunity to the extremely talented students of Leeds Arts University. The quality of the work has been incredible and the piece we chose as the winner is a tremendous piece of art – a standout piece in my view – about togetherness and support that sends all the right messages in these challenging times.’ Rachel Brooke, the anonymous heART project lead at Heart Research UK, said: ‘Being part of the judging panel has been such a pleasure and what a fantastic opportunity to see some very different and diverse pieces of art. All the submissions were inspired and had a real mix of techniques, styles and artistic vision, which made the task of choosing just one winner incredibly difficult. A lot of the pieces had a strong sense of bringing people together which is something that we try to do at Heart Research UK. We keep families together for longer through our investment into medical research and our work in local communities.’
Official charity partners of the 2022 WSF Doubles Squash Championship Posted on April 21, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzen The 2022 WSF Doubles Squash Championship in Glasgow is now over, and we are delighted to have been the official charity partner through our Heart of Scotland Appeal. Every day, 47 people in Scotland die from cardiovascular disease, and we’re working hard to raise awareness and help more hearts in Scotland. Our Heart of Scotland Appeal had a strong presence across the Glasgow venue, including a text to donate code on the screens for people who wanted to support the appeal. The week was very eventful and saw many exciting matches and brilliant winners, including England’s Declan James and James Willstrop who won the men’s draw gold medal 2-0 against Scotland’s Greg Lobban and Rory Stewart. England hadn’t won a championship gold since 1997 in Hong Kong so it was a long time coming. Scotland also did well, winning both silver and bronze medals in the men’s draw. James Willstrop was pleased with the win: ‘We’re chuffed to bits. It’s a huge event, it’s a world title. We’re so grateful to Scottish Squash, to the WSF and for everyone who’s joined together to put this together and make it a huge event.’ Greg Lobban was also positive about the week: ‘The tournament was fantastic. This is the first time Rory and I have played together in a major competition, so to come second in the men’s draw is a great achievement. We knew coming in we were one of the best teams and had a really good chance, so I’m pleased we came away with something.’
Birmingham’s biggest carnival scores local headline sponsor Posted on April 14, 2022May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Ebba Ritzén Leading engineering firm adi Group, with their head office in Birmingham, is the headline sponsor for Harborne Jubilee Carnival 2022 in support of Heart Research UK. The carnival is taking place along Harborne High Street on June 26th.Birmingham’s biggest carnival, second only to Notting Hill in the UK, is returning this summer, after being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19. This year, as it’s celebrating its 25th anniversary the same year as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the carnival has dubbed itself Harborne Jubilee Carnival for one year only. Heart Research UK Midlands is the charity partner of the carnival and adi Group are well aware of the importance of their work into prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. Having supported the charity since 2015 they have raised nearly £120,000 to date for lifesaving research. Employees of the multidisciplinary engineering firm will be volunteering at the carnival as well as fundraising in the run up to the event and on the day. Entertainment will include live music, arts and crafts, stalls and fairground rides, as well as a focus on health and wellbeing. The organisers of the carnival are welcoming any sponsors or volunteers to help during the community event. Alan Lusty, CEO at adi Group, said: ‘We have built a remarkable relationship with Heart Research UK Midlands over the last seven years and are proud and delighted to be headline sponsors of this year’s Harborne Jubilee Carnival in support of the charity. ‘Recent times have been difficult and challenging for everybody and we’re very much looking forward to being involved in an event that focuses on bringing the local community together. As all money raised from the Harborne Carnival will go towards projects funded by Heart Research UK, we’re also engineering a better future for all.’ John Lloyd, Regional Executive at Heart Research UK Midlands, said: ‘Working in partnership with adi Group for so long has helped facilitate the funding of many local research and community projects here in the Midlands. We have big ambitions to expand the work of our charity within the local community and having adi Group as headline sponsors of this year’s carnival, supporting Heart Research UK Midlands, can make this a reality.’
Art in small spaces Posted on October 22, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield The future of urban living has meant that apartments and houses have become smaller and smaller making it harder to find artwork that fits into those awkward spaces of our homes. But this shouldn’t stop you from buying artwork that you love and with the right plan you can have both a stylish and functional interior design that meets your needs. Don’t be afraid of being big and bold When looking at small interior design people often think it’s better to stay clear of anything that is loud and proud. However, a piece of artwork that is a large statement piece is a great way of creating a focal point in a small room. So, don’t be afraid of handing a big, bold piece of artwork in a prominent place, including above the sofa or a dining room. It also might be worth investing in smaller furniture as this can often make a place feel more cluttered. Opting for a larger piece can add character to a small apartment or house. Smaller could be the way to go If you class yourself as a minimalist, then a larger print might not be for you. Instead, small scale artwork can still have a huge impact on a room. You could also opt for smaller pieces to hang next to each other to fill a space on a wall. However, make sure the artwork isn’t going to get lost in the space, think of something bold which will add life and colour. Always consider colour scheme This might sound obvious but the colour scheme of a room can make or break a piece of artwork. So, if you have a plain white wall fill it with something which is colourful and makes the room brighter. If you have some colour in any furniture, find a piece of artwork with the colour in it, this will help pick out the colour and create a seamless interior design within a room. However, if you have a dark wall opt for a simple black and white piece of art or if you have a colourful wall, then consider artwork which is a complementary colour. This will really help the room pop and take any guests’ attention away from how small the space is. Remember your forgotten spaces Have you got a bookshelf that needs a bit of life? Or do you have an empty floor space that needs filling? Filling those forgotten areas can save on wall space and make a room feel less cluttered. It’s about filling every free space whilst staying practical. Why not put a piece of artwork in your bathroom or even in your kid’s bedroom? Also, don’t forget the leaning method this can be a great tool for leaning artwork against walls on bedside tables, desks or dressers with no pins needed. Pairing pieces together to make your own mini gallery Don’t feel as though you can’t hang artwork together, if you have a particular artist, you are fond of or a collection of artworks that has a similar style then, you will definitely want to hang them up together. You could hang up your pieces in rows of three or place them in a line to form a column. Also, pairing larger pieces with smaller pieces can create an amazing gallery view creating space for your own personal art collection. Always go with your gut Artwork is subjective and down to your individual choice, it shouldn’t be dictated by how small your space is. Often your own eye for interior design will help you find the perfect piece of artwork that not only shows off your personality but adds another layer to your living space. You might just find yourself following your gut in the anonymous heART project online auction, where you can bid on your favourite artist and own an amazing piece of artwork for a bargain. Be sure to head over to heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/. All money raised will help fund our pioneering research, which is vital for finding a cure for heart diseases whilst helping to save lives.
Music and Art Posted on October 22, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield With the anonymous heART project just around the corner, we have an amazing collection of artists and musicians who have turned their hand to creating artwork. However, the relationship between music and art dates back centuries.The relationship between music and art today Art like music is deeply rooted in our culture and both have become a part of our everyday lives. Whether it is Lady Gaga’s striking Applause music video, which nods to artists from Botticelli to John Galliano or Andy Warhol’s iconic artwork on the Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers Album cover- both artists and musicians have been collaborating for a long time. However, music videos and album covers are just one layer of the relationship between art and music. The influence of music and art in history Artists, psychologists, and musicologists agree that there is a relationship between music and art. This relationship between music and art has been around for decades, examples include artists such as Jackson Pollack who blared out jazz music while creating his famous art pieces and Kandinsky who was heavily influenced by sound especially the symphony between the visual arts and sound. He was often known for naming his paintings after various musical terminology such as Compositions, Impressions, and Improvisations. The line between music and the arts also becomes more blurred with the introduction of sound art used particularly in movements like Dadaism and Surrealism, which refers to art both in “its medium (what it is made out of) and as its subject (what it is about)”. Did you know your music taste influences your artistic preferences? Not only does music influence the artist but also affects our preferences towards art. Studies even suggest that music and our artistic preferences are influenced by our own personality traits, explaining that those who enjoy classical music prefer all visual art motives while jazz and world music related to all art preferences expect religious. Often the relationship between music and art can become blurred with both complementing each other and in-turn creating a masterpiece. Why not check out the anonymous heART project page heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/ where you can bid for your favourite pieces by world-renowned artists and musicians. All the money raised will go toward Heart Research UK’s pioneering medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.
Buying art for loved ones at Christmas Posted on October 22, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Christmas is the time to buy gifts that keep on giving and buying a piece of art for someone close to your heart is a lovely gesture that will be remembered for years to come. It’s hard to know where to start looking and finding the perfect piece of art to give as a gift can be daunting. This means we’ve put together some top tips to make the hunt for the perfect present this year that bit easier.What is their home decor like? First things first, art is often a key feature of many homes; however, it’s important to remember when buying a piece of wall art, it should be an effortless part of any interior design. Unless they are a serious fine art enthusiast, your family or friend might appreciate something which complements their own interior style so it can be a seamless feature of their home. Next time you’re over at their house pay attention to the number of artworks they already own. If they have a lot of artworks, it might be worth buying something a little bolder, so it stands out from the other artwork they already own. However, if their walls are fairly bare then opt for a piece of artwork with a neutral colour palette or a simple design. Another design feature to pay attention to is their choice of colour palette. Whether their home is all monochrome, then a simple black-and-white piece would look amazing; however, if they live in a period home such as a cottage, they may appreciate a smaller watercolour landscape or still life to fit into their home. The choices are endless but do keep in mind what interior style they choose and if you’re not sure about their particular style, Pinterest is a great tool for finding similar interior designs so you know exactly which room the artwork would fit in. Remember be unique not cliché You want your art to stand out. It’s all about balancing a unique piece with their wall space. This means avoiding those generic prints you’ve seen in ten different websites or coffee shops. You know the ones which say ‘Home is where the heart is’ or the now popular botanical prints. You want something that screams their personality and is individual to them. Remember who you’re buying for when you’re looking for a piece of artwork. It’s often difficult to buy something similar to our own tastes and not the receiver’s tastes. It would be worth considering what’s personal to them. If they have a particular interest or hobby, then it’s worth looking at artwork that reflects that area. However, don’t limit yourself, think about the sentimental value of the piece too and what memories the artwork could stir. The more thoughtful the piece, the better. Artwork that compliments their own collection Is your friend or family member an avid art collector? Then it may be worth knowing what that special person already has in their collection before even starting to look at artwork. If they’re a collector of a particular artist or own a few original paintings which bring joy, you want to add that special addition to their home. It would also be worth finding out what type of art genre they prefer. Are they interested in landscapes, classical styles or contemporary? It may be that the artists they’re after are releasing new art that would be ideal or their favourite artist could be in this year’s anonymous heART project. Head over to bid on the online auction by visiting heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/. Not only will you buy an amazing gift, but you will also help fund Heart Research UK’s pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases. This Christmas be sure to buy a piece of artwork that is the gift that keeps on giving.
Your basic guide to art genres and where they work best in your home Posted on October 22, 2021May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Olivia Schofield Today, there are so many art genres it’s hard to know where to start. Especially, when you want to buy a new art piece for your home. It can also be difficult making this both a functional and aesthetically pleasing choice. The key thing to remember when shopping around for artwork is what is the room like? Your living room is often a cosy and comfortable place, whilst your bedroom is a personal place, reflecting individual taste and the kitchen/dining-room reflects the more formal living areas. Modern Art Dating back to the mid-18th century, Modern Art reflects the rapid change in technology, manufacturing and transport – revolutionising art. This genre is hard to define, due to it being a period of time from the 1860’s to 1970’s rather than an exact art style. This type of art focuses on a wide range of strong colours, forms and lines using bold designs. So, if you have a room that needs a pop of colour, modern art is the way to go drawing attention to the room. Abstract Art Abstract Art is a popular form of art in many homes, dating back more than 100 years. This type of art creates various moods, either by matching the surroundings or becoming a focal point of a room with bold bright colours. Abstract art is definitely a good choice when you’re in between interior styles, whether your home is modern with a rustic spin, it’s a great way of adding colour to a room. Contemporary Art Meet the art of today. Contemporary Art is the art that is created during our lifetimes. It shows the forever changing art styles, by using cutting-edge media and new technology. The variety of different forms that this art comes in has made it popular in homes today. Hanging a piece of contemporary art in your living room for example, will provide a great focal point. Especially if you have simple decor in your living space, a piece of contemporary art will give your plain walls that bit of love they need. Surrealism Surrealism is where the imagination has gone wild. This artwork relies on distant reality and the unconscious mind creating a dream-like world. This means this piece of artwork can be used to inspire creativity, being perfect for an office space or even a living room, where the bold colours and unrealistic images can create a fun atmosphere. Impressionism Developed in Paris in the 1860’s, Impressionism focuses on capturing the impression of a particular moment or instant. This artwork was not produced in a studio but on the streets capturing a realistic depiction of the moment. This particular piece of artwork would look great hanging on the walls of a living room or a more formal sitting area, due to its realistic nature. It’s a piece of artwork that’ll capture the eye of any guest in your home. Graffiti Art Better known as Street Art, Graffiti is a form of free art that is found in public places and buildings. Known for its bright colours, this art appeared from places including Philadelphia and New York, and is often linked to hip hop culture. Despite graffiti art being considered as an act of vandalism in most countries, it doesn’t mean it can’t add a burst of colour to your home. Street art is attractive to anyone viewing it and is a fantastic way of brightening up the interiors of your living space. It can also make the room look cheerful and welcoming, perfect for a child’s bedroom or a great feature within a hallway. Cubism Finally, Cubism is an artwork that appeared during the 20th century. This type of artwork does not make use of traditional techniques, instead it emphasises two-dimensional designs. The objects painted usually reduce the subject to geometric forms showing various angles. This piece of artwork would look great in formal spaces, including your dining rooms or study areas adding a simplistic, minimalist touch to any living area. So, there you have it – your guide to different art genres and how they can fit into different living spaces.
Can art be good for you? Posted on December 11, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Miette Dsouza We paint what we feel, and we buy art that we emotionally connect with. That’s why art is a window into our souls. It is a medium through which we can unload our emotional baggage without feeling like a burden to others. Art and wellbeing have always gone hand in hand. Whether you are producing or purchasing art, it prevails as a great stress buster and mental health booster. With our anonymous heART project, you can own a piece of limited-edition art and help you support our life-saving work. How does art help us? It builds focus. Art can either tell a story, evoke a certain emotion, or help you recall a memory. When looking at art you are continuously analysing characters in the piece, observing splashes of colour or reminiscing about your experiences. Your mind is constantly stimulated by several elements of the artwork focusing you on positive emotions and helping to reduce stress. Paying attention to details of paintings or focusing on the beauty of an art piece will also help increase your attention span and improve your concentration. Give meditation through art a shot Creating your own art proves to be a good distraction from everyday life. It gives you an outlet for release of pent up frustrations and an opportunity for growth especially if used as a meditation tool. When meditating if you have trouble with being able to picture yourself in your happy place, making a visually appealing object the nexus of your attention could help you along the process. Staring at a landscape painting and imagining yourself in it or following lines that get lost within each other in abstract art could help you achieve a state of zen. It encourages creativity and introspection Art is fluid. There is no right or wrong answer. It is freeing and that’s what allows you to not stress about making mistakes. While creating compositions you are constantly thinking about what colours to use and what you can add to make your piece more attractive. You are actively thinking out of the box, making connections, and inspecting your artwork as you do so. Creating art propels creative thinking. Creating art also motivates you to introspect. Sometimes, you may need to take inspiration from your past to get started on a masterpiece. When reflecting you’re thinking about the emotions you felt at the time and reflecting them onto canvas. Studies have shown that the majority of people undertaking art workshops feel a decrease in feelings of anxiety and felt more socially included.
Fundraising record smashed! Anonymous heART project raises over £53,000 Posted on November 30, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill We are delighted to announce that the anonymous heART project 2020 has raised an unbelievable £53,000! All 497 of the original, A5 artworks sold on the online auction, which ran on eBay from the 6th-15th November. All of the pieces were sold anonymously, and though a full list of contributors was available, the artist of each piece has been kept a secret, only being revealed to winning bidders now the auction is over. The bestselling piece was an original painting by Robert Smith, iconic rock star and frontman of The Cure, which commanded a stunning £5,100 in the online auction. The piece, entitled “I will kiss you forever…” featured the lyrics “on nights like this”, taken from The Cure’s hit song ‘The same deep water as you.’ The second highest seller was by internationally-acclaimed Spanish painter Pejac, piece titled ‘Bottomless pit’ fetching a whopping £1,793. Now in its third year, the anonymous heART project has seen over 1,300 artworks sold, raising over £110,000 for Heart Research UK’s pioneering research in to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “The dust has finally started to settle from 2020’s anonymous heART project, and what a journey it has been. Every year, we are blown away by the generosity of the artists and the people bidding. We’ve smashed our fundraising target, so we would all like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated their time and efforts to the campaign. “At Heart Research UK, we’re always looking for fun and interesting ways to raise money. The anonymous heART project allows people to support ground-breaking medical research but also get a little something back, owning their own mini-masterpieces. “What makes this project so special is that everyone has the chance to own a piece of iconic art. It really is making high class art available to all, and we’re thrilled all 497 pieces have found a new home! To find out more and to register your interest in next year’s anonymous heART project, please visit heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/
Is art the secret to a happier and healthier lifestyle? Posted on November 15, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Charlotte Crompton With our anonymous heART project, we’re are giving you the opportunity to brighten up your home, express your personality and support a great cause. Sounds good right? At a time when lots of us are at home more than ever and are turning to holistic activities like yoga and meditation to improve health and wellbeing, why not check out the benefits of introducing art to your home? We have almost 500 pieces of artwork created by big names across the art and entertainment available for you to bid on and brighten up your home before the winter months set in. So, what are the benefits of art? Art allows you to ask questions, reflect on emotions and think about new ideas Whether it’s a memory, feeling or thought, a piece of art can evoke powerful emotions when we look at it. This enables us to reflect on our emotions and beliefs and art provides the comfort and reassurance that we are not isolated in those thoughts. Art which is more than decoration, and can challenge you intellectually and confront pre-existing ideas that you may hold. By exploring these feelings, we begin to think more openly, challenge ourselves and see the world from a different viewpoint. Having artwork capable of shifting your worldview and making you think differently about things is a daily reminder to question our habits and thoughts. Do you have a room suffering with an identity crisis? A room that previously lacked personality and character can suddenly come to life by simply bringing in art that speaks to you. Choosing art that you connect with is great therapy for those who want to express themselves. Also, from a design perspective, art acts as a focal point, making a room appear finished and reflects your personality. Art is one of the most personal items in a house and showcasing it lets you create more meaningful connections with guests. Your home is your space and filling it with art you love will help you enjoy where you spend the majority of your time. The healing power of art You don’t have to create art for it to have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing. Finding artwork that you have an emotional connection with can improve mental health, as studies show that art can reduce levels of anxiety and depression. If you feel inspired by the #anonartproject to have a go yourself, there is evidence to suggest that participation in art may delay the onset of dementia, and that it can impact cognitive functioning, through stimulating memories, and attention. In addition, producing art in classes or groups can improve the mood and confidence of people living with dementia and increase their social engagement. Also, having art in your workspace can help to keep you inspired and reduce stress when working from home. To find out more, check these links: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/how-arts-can-help-improve-your-mental-health https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/the-healing-power-of-art A source of inspiration Seeing other people do what they love while being successful and bringing other people joy is what we all want to do. That’s why we have idols and follow Instagram accounts of inspirational people – because their passion is contagious. Often we hear our friends, or even ourselves, making excuses for not doing the things that bring us joy, saying, “I would paint more if I had time.” Artists pursuing their passion and working against the grain, inspire us to do the same. Art encourages us to do what we love, try new things and open up to being vulnerable. Accepting this challenge encourages growth and has amazing health benefits. For whatever reason you choose to add some art to your home, we want you to find a piece you can fall in love with. You can browse and bid on all the artwork in the anonymous heART project by visiting heartresearch.org.uk/anonymous-heart/. All the money raised will support pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.A selection of the anonymous heART project artworkA selection of the anonymous heART project artworkA selection of the anonymous heART project artwork Related
Anonymous heART project 2020 – Meet the artists Posted on November 14, 2020May 28, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Charlotte Crompton. We know you’re all loving the anonymous heART project, but wouldn’t it be great to learn a little more about some of the artists behind the postcards? Here is a little more information about the artists who’ve contributed to this year’s auction. Just a note – the images here don’t necessarily correspond to the artists profiled. It’s got to be anonymous after all! Ralph Steadman Instagram: @steadmanart Since entering the industry as a cartoonist, Ralph has experimented throughout his 60 year career in sculpting, designing, and writing and has even illustrated classics such as Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island and Animal Farm. He is maybe best known for his work with Hunter S. Thompson, producing the cover art for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. In recent years, Ralph has been illustrating political caricatures for the New Statesman, The Independent and the New York Observer. Pejac Instagram @pejac_art Pejac is a Spanish artist with a tremendous ability to communicate meaningful messages through his provocative, striking and emotional artwork. Throughout the Covid-19 lockdown, Pejac’s dedicated his time to producing artwork for healthcare workers and hospitals in his hometown of Santander, which was deeply affected by the virus. From his postcard, we could potentially expect something capable of stopping us in our tracks; forcing us to think and reflect on the difficulties faced by the world today. Ashley Jackson Instagram: @ashleyjacksongallery Ashley is one of Britain’s leading and most successful landscape watercolourists, whose artwork is synonymous with Yorkshire. The moors above and around his gallery are a common theme throughout his art. As he says: ““Yorkshire, if not for you I would not be an artist. You are the one who made my eyes see and my heart feel.” Fanakapan Instagram: @fanakapan Fanakapan is a London-based street artist with a high profile in the urban contemporary art scene. With his superb free hand skills, Fanakapan creates hyper realistic visuals of real life objects. The 3D effect of his creations look so realistic that they will force you to do a double take. The self-taught artist from Dorset wants people to decide for themselves what the message behind his artwork is. Norman Ackroyd, CBE, RA Instagram: @normanackroyd Born in Leeds, Norman is a landscape artist whose love for nature was nurtured by long bicycle rides in the Yorkshire Dales as a young boy. Despite working with a range of media, he is most prolific in etching. Norman has won a number of awards and his work is displayed in the Tate, the British Museum, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Hayden Kays Instagram: @Haydenkays Hayden Kays is a British artist whose work is characterised by bold imagery, accomplished craftsmanship and deadpan humour. His unique style has sold to celebrities such as Chris Martin and Noel Fielding and it has been the cover art for rock bands including The Kooks and the Tribes. Hayden’s first book, ‘Hayden Kays is an Artist’ is a selected collection of his art and has been declared ‘a seriously good-looking book’ by Banksy. Sarah Graham Instagram: @sarahgraham_art Sarah Graham is a British artist who works almost exclusively with oil on canvas. Her vibrant and energetic artwork is a reflection of her fun loving personality and self-confessed obsession with colour. In 2012, Sarah painted the album cover of the Kaiser Chief’s singles collection ‘Souvenir’, which was released worldwide. The bands lead singer, Ricky Wilson, praises Sarah’s ability to “take something mundane, like the lollies she paints, and elevate it to the status of something more.” Now you’ve got the info, can you spot the stunning pieces by these artists?
How to choose art for your home Posted on November 11, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill By Charlotte Crompton With Heart Research UK’s anonymous heART project in full swing, we would like everyone involved to get the most out of the auction and come away with a piece of art they will truly love. Choosing art for your home can be difficult; it is an investment and something you will look at every day. Here are a few tips to keep in mind and questions to ask yourself when choosing art for your home. Does the art speak to you? Art is subjective and a piece which connects with someone else might not connect with you. To find art that speaks to you, it is important to ask yourself, how does the art make you feel? Has it sparked a thought or feeling inside you? Do you think the artwork reflects your personality and interests? If you find a piece which ticks these boxes, it will be a good investment. Do you think it’s beautiful? While some people might only buy meaningful art, having art in your house which is merely beautiful should not be downplayed. You will look at the art in your house every day and hopefully it will stay with you forever therefore it is really important that you think it’s visually pleasing. Does it make you feel inspired? Art has the power to uplift our mood, motivate us and help us to feel inspired and creative. The art in your house should be capable of this. Decorate your kitchen with art that makes you smile and motivates you in the morning. Similarly, fill your home study with art that motivates you, reduces stress and keeps you inspired. Seek out unique pieces Though it can be practical and more affordable to buy mass-produced prints, there’s nothing like being the sole owner of an original art piece that can be handed down for generations to come. This will be easily achievable at the #anonartproject auction where hundreds of pieces of art are one-of-a-kind. Think about location The type of art you select for your house can vary depending on what room it is intended for. Most of us tend to feel a lot of pressure choosing art for the living room as it is where most of your guests will spend time. The key is to choose a piece you love, which speaks to you and that displays your personality and interests to visitors. When choosing art for the bedroom, remember that it is a room for relaxation and the artwork should reflect that. Perhaps look at art with soothing colours and tones. Trust your gut instinct If your heart leaps at the sight of a piece, don’t hesitate too long or you could miss out on it. If your connection with a piece of art is instant, you may regret not acting upon it soon enough. Consider the colour scheme While traditional perspectives may advise matching artwork to the colour scheme of your home, this doesn’t always create the best visual effect. More modern approaches suggest avoiding matching your art to the room. Instead, contrast and complement the space with art to create more of a statement and prevent the colour from getting lost. Don’t worry about what others may think While you hope your guests will feel similarly inspired by your choice in artwork, ultimately you want to fill your house with art that speaks to you. Your home is an extension of yourself and should represent who you are so don’t let the opinions of others prevent you from buying art that you adore. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Try not to let the pressure of finding the right art for your home put you off. If you have artwork that you like it will work anywhere. So there you have it – you should now have all the know how to choose your next mini masterpiece.
Art for hearts! The anonymous heART project is back and bigger than ever Posted on September 11, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill In case you haven’t heard (where have you been?!), the anonymous heART project 2020 is live! This is the third year of one of our most exciting fundraisers. Almost 500 pieces of A5 artwork, created by a veritable who’s-who of international artists and celebs are all up for auction on eBay right now. The twist? Though the list of artists will be available to all bidders, the artist of each individual piece will be kept anonymous, only being revealed once the auction is over. Do you have an artistic eye keen enough to grab yourself a mini masterpiece? Robert Smith (The Cure), Ralph Steadman, Joe Lycett, and Ashley Jackson are just some of this year’s contributors. For a complete list and catalogue of the art, head on over to https://heartresearcho.wpenginepowered.com/anonymous-heart/, where you can check out your favourite pieces before bidding over on eBay. Now in its third year, the anonymous heART project has seen almost 1000 pieces of exceptional art auctioned off to raise money for our pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK, said: “The anonymous heART project is one of the most exciting projects Heart Research UK has ever run. The quantity and quality of the artwork that we have received from artists, designers and celebrities all over the world has been astounding. “We’re always looking for fun and interesting ways to raise money. The anonymous heART project allows people to support ground-breaking medical research but also get a little something back, owning their own mini-masterpiece created by an artist or celeb. So, head on over and get bidding!
Caravan Guard smash fundraising milestone Posted on February 3, 2020May 26, 2025 by Sarah Gill Heart Research UK’s long standing corporate partner Caravan Guard have broken a major fundraising milestone, having now raised more than £110,000 for our pioneering research. Caravan Guard, who specialise in insurance for caravans and motorhomes, introduced their Paperless Policies initiative 10 years ago, which sees them donate £1 to Heart Research UK each time a new caravan, campervan or motorhome insurance customer opts for their policy documents to be emailed rather than posted out. Throughout 2019, Caravan Guard’s Paperless Policies campaign and other fundraising efforts raised a hearty £17,645, pushing the total gifted in the last decade to an incredible £110,887. Caravan Guard staff have also raised money by taking on challenges such as the Great North Run half marathon and running healthy heart events. A “love yourself” event saw the charity deliver health and lifestyle checks and staff were encouraged to make 2020 the year to care completely about their health, as well as others. Associate Director Laura Wilby presented Heart Research UK with a cheque for £17,645 during the Halifax-based company’s healthy heart day. “We’re delighted to have raised so much money for such a great cause in 2019 and absolutely thrilled to have smashed through the £100,000 mark in the last decade,” said Laura. “A big thank you to our customers too, who have chosen to go paperless so we can pass on all this money to help with the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” Heart Research UK CEO, Kate Bratt-Farrar, said: “Over the last 10 years, we have been blown away time and again with the generosity of the Caravan Guard customers and staff. To have raised over £110,000 is a truly remarkable achievement, and we can’t thank them enough. “The money that Caravan Guard has raised will be used to benefit patients as soon as possible, funding life-saving research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.” To find out more about how your company can work with Heart Research UK to help us take on heart disease, visit our corporate partnership pages.