Lincs: Heart patient is named in the top 10 quirkiest fundraisers for the British Heart Foundation

A Lincoln woman been named as one of the top 10 quirkiest fundraisers for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as part of the charity’s new Raise Funds Your Way campaign to help fund life saving research.

Nicolette Bosworth, 32, from Lincoln was chosen after she set up a clothes swap shop, raising more than £1,000 for research.

Nicolette set up the fashion fundraiser after her life was turned upside down when doctors diagnosed her with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat caused by an electrical fault in the heart which can significantly increase your risk of stroke.

Nicolette, who was also born with a hole in her heart, said: “I was at a girlie weekend with my mum and sister when out of nowhere I just collapsed. It was a very frightening time, and then to get the diagnosis was a huge shock.

“It’s had such a big effect on my life. I needed to do something positive to focus my mind on while I await my forth coming operations so I decided to do something really different and fundraise my own way for the BHF. The clothes swap shop and ladies night was so much fun. We had women travelling from all over to attend.

“I just couldn’t believe what people were willing to give and seeing all my work colleagues and friends in each other’s clothes, especially wearing my mum’s clothes was so funny.

“It’s great to know that the money we raised will help make a difference to others like me living with a heart condition.”

Tina Bajec, Head of Raise Funds Your Way at the BHF, said: “Nicolette’s story is an inspiration to us all and we are incredibly grateful for her support.”

Sign up online and download a free fundraising pack at www.bhf.org.uk/yourway for fantastic ideas on how to get involved.