BHF Cymru has thanked the Celtic Collectors and Lowry Family musicians for their support at an Irish folk music night which raised nearly £700 for the charity.

The successful event, held on Weds 8th May at the Punch House Inn, Monmouth, was organised by Chris Lowry, in memory of his much-missed partner, Mandy Alexander, who sadly died from a heart condition.

Mr Lowry thanked the Celtic Collectors for a wonderful evening, as well as many of his family who flew over from Ireland to perform in Mandy’s memory and help raise funds for vital heart research. Mr Lowry and his son Dean, said: “Mandy always loved to help people in any way she could, and her lifelong good example has inspired Dean and myself to follow in her footsteps. I'm sure she would be honoured and delighted.

“Mandy was the epitome of goodness. She was and is an inspiration to us. She is still reaching out to help others with this latest fundraising event for such a worthy cause as BHF. This is Mandy's Legacy and as the saying goes:

"It's not what you take when you go, it's what you leave behind."

“We’re very pleased to have raised almost £700, which will help the BHF create new treatments and discover new cures for heart and circulatory diseases. Thank you to everyone who came along and donated to this wonderful cause.”

In Wales 340,000 people are living with heart and circulatory conditions. For more than 60 years the public’s generosity has funded pioneering BHF research that has turned ideas that once seemed like ‘science fiction’ into treatments and cures that save lives every day.”

BHF Cymru Fundraising Manager Carys Jenkins says: “We are grateful to the family for choosing to support the BHF locally. The money raised will help us to fund the next breakthrough, but their support also helps to raise awareness of heart health and will hopefully encourage other local groups to fundraise for and support the BHF too.”

If you're inspired to fundraise for the BHF, head to www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/do-your-own-thing or contact Carys Jenkins on [email protected]