SIR – I am writing to encourage you and your readers to visit your local Yorkshire & Humber British Heart Foundation (BHF) shop this Christmas.

By doing your festive shopping with the BHF, you can spend a little and buy a lot. The profit from items bought in Yorkshire & Humber BHF shops will help fund essential, life-saving research into heart disease.

After losing my husband to heart disease, I know how vital the BHF’s research is. It’s amazing to think that just by buying a thoughtful, low-cost gift, you are helping the BHF’s fight against coronary heart disease – the UK’s single biggest killer.

Yorkshire & Humber BHF shops offer a real variety of items that will make the perfect present this Christmas, from stocking fillers and Secret Santa presents to thoughtful, unique gifts.

Some of the items on offer include clothes, accessories, toys, shoes, DVDs and books, mirrors, glassware and vintage china tea cups!

Join the fight for every heartbeat by visiting your local Yorkshire and Humber BHF shop today and give a gift that really makes a difference this Christmas. To find your nearest BHF shop visit bhf.org.uk/shops Best wishes and Merry Christmas!

Esther Rantzen CBE (Journalist and BHF Ambassador)