A YOUNG woman who suffered heart failure has begun volunteering at the British Heart Foundation as her way of "giving something back".

Eliza Bell, aged 21, has had Danon disease all her life and the condition took a dramatic turn last year, requiring a life-saving heart transplant.

She sees volunteering in the Penzance branch of BHF as her way of giving something back. With a new lease of life, she loves to style and model donated clothing, displaying her scar with pride as shown in the photos.

She said: “After I received my life saving heart transplant earlier this year, volunteering has been such a great way to find a sense of purpose and show my gratitude for the BHF’s vital work.

"After years of poor health, having the chance to give something back and feel part of the local community has been incredible. The team are so supportive, which has made my transition back into normal life so much easier and I’ve been able to meet people from all walks of life.

“Without research funded by the British Heart Foundation and the incredible Royal Papworth Hospital, I might not be here today. I’m now making the most of my second chance at life and showing my support for this amazing charity.”

To mark the launch of its national volunteering campaign, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has released a series of photographs to celebrate the inspiring individuals who donate their time to the charity.

The series of images showcases a total of six volunteers from all walks of life, challenging the stereotype that volunteering is just for older generations. Eliza is one of those six.

The images coincide with the release of the BHF’s new report, ‘The Gift of Time,’ which reveals the positive impact volunteering has on wellbeing, mental health and loneliness, demonstrating the benefits of becoming a BHF volunteer.

The BHF is calling on the public to shake off the stereotypes associated with volunteering and discover for themselves the life changing effects of becoming a volunteer.

Linda Fenn, head of volunteering at the British Heart Foundation, said: “These extraordinary volunteers, who generously donate their time are the lifeblood of the BHF. The time that they give is vital in helping us make a positive difference to the 7.4 million people living with heart and circulatory diseases, and we want to encourage others to join us in our mission to beat heartbreak forever.

“We have a many varied roles on offer, so there really is something for everyone. Whether you would like to join a fundraising group and be involved in community based activities or gain retail experience on a busy shop floor, our roles are flexible and offer people the opportunity to use their skills, and gain new ones whilst making a real and valuable contribution.”

To get involved in volunteering at the BHF, visit: bhf.org.uk/volunteer