Flashback: Vernon completing his marathon fundraising trek (Photo credit: BBC)
HORWICH born Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay has a new role as a celebrity ambassador for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
And as part of that role, he took to the stage to present the charity’s prestigious annual Heart Hero Awards.
Vernon, who raised more than £6million for Children in Need at the end of last year by running the 116 miles from Leicester to Bolton, said he was looking forward to his latest charity role.
The former St Joseph’s RC High School pupil said: “I am honoured to take on the role.
“I am very lucky to now be a part of the BHF family and look forward to raising awareness and vital funds to support the incredible work that the BHF does in preventing, treating, and ultimately defeating heart and circulatory disease.”
BHF chief executive Dr Charmaine Griffiths said: “Vernon has been such a terrific supporter and I am absolutely delighted to welcome him as our newest ambassador.”
Speaking after hosting the awards last month, Vernon said: “Every year I am left in awe of the winners and their incredible stories. The battles they have faced, their incredible courage and positivity and their belief in a brighter future for heart patients is truly inspirational.
“It’s been wonderful hosting this event again and, for the first time as an official ambassador for the BHF. It’s a privilege to be able to recognise the remarkable people who play such a vital role in helping the BHF to fund their life-saving research.”
Amongst the winners was CPR Hero, Ginny Long. The 15-year-old performed lifesaving CPR on her dad Andy, who went into cardiac arrest in front of her.
The BHF funds around £100 million of research into heart and circulatory diseases each year,
Vernon, 49, has also revealed that he will be hosting BBC Radio’s Piano Room Month in the coming weeks
Piano Room Month, which launched in 2022, brings acts to Maida Vale Studios in London for live performances, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Each act gets to perform “a new song, a classic, and a cover”.
The line-up is set to include Rod Stewart, Beverley Knight, the Libertines, Rick Astley, Texas, Delta Goodrem, Elbow and Paloma Faith.