The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has received the largest single donation from a charitable trust or major donor in its history.
This week, the BHF reported that the Garfield Weston Foundation had donated £6m to the charity to tackle heart failure.
The money will be used to help fund the Centre of Research Excellence in Advanced Cardiac Therapies (REACT), run by the BHF and Medical Research Council.
Garfield Weston Foundation’s donation will support REACT to develop new therapies focusing on heart repair and regeneration.
BHF chief executive Charmaine Griffiths said: “This transformational gift from Garfield Weston Foundation will supercharge BHF’s ambitions and accelerate impact for those who need us most.
“Philanthropy on this scale empowers us to go further and faster and to be bolder and braver as we seek a brighter future for everyone affected by heart failure around the world. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Garfield Weston Foundation for leading the way.”
Paul Riley, co-director of REACT, said: “We are deeply grateful to BHF and visionary supporters like Garfield Weston Foundation. Their belief empowers our team to accelerate genetic therapies toward trials and, ultimately, to patients.”
Garfield Weston Foundation deputy chair Sophia Weston said: “We believe in supporting a diverse range of charities across the UK.
“From local community initiatives to large national projects, the common thread is that all our grantees make a real positive difference, improving lives and strengthening communities throughout the country.”
BHF recorded an overall income of £411m in the year to March 2025, including £108m in legacy donations, and expenditure of £427m.
