OLDHAMERS are being given a chance join in a World Record attempt with the British Heart Foundation (BHF)

Heart shaped messages have been filling BHF shop windows in the run up to Valentine’s Day for over a decade, but this year the public also have the chance to have their personal messages displayed in a record-breaking chain of paper hearts.

For Valentine’s Day, the BHF are attempting to break the world record for the longest chain of paper hearts, which currently stands at 8525.

To get involved, Oldhamers can visit the BHF shop on Henshaw Street, or one of the other 63 shops across the region, to make a donation and write a message on a World Record heart to be included in the impressive final chain.

Messages can be anything from a thank you or dedication in memory of someone, to a message for a loved one, best friend, family member, work bestie or even a pet.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Operations Director at the BHF, said: “Heart and circulatory disease is one of the UK’s biggest killers and bringing messages of love, support and hope together from people all across the country, shows we are all standing united against these devastating conditions.

“BHF research has helped halve death rates from heart and circulatory disease over the past 50 years but there is still a long way to go. Through the public’s generosity the BHF will fund half a billion pounds of new research by 2020.

“So visit your local BHF shop today, make a donation and write a message to take part in the World Record. You’ll be sharing the love and saving lives in the process.”

The World Record hearts will be sold in BHF shops across the country in the run-up to Valentine’s Day and will be sent to London to be included in the World Record attempt, where they will be strung together to create the giant chain.

For more information on the campaign and world record, please visit www.bhf.org.uk/lovenotes or to find your nearest BHF shop visit www.bhf.org.uk/shops