THE mother of a 26-year-old woman killed by a heart problem has told of how it has inspired her to raise awareness of the fight against heart disease.

Alison White, from Blackburn, tragically lost her daughter Miranda to a heart condition three years ago.

She has used her own pain to fundraise and raise awareness in the fight against heart disease, which affects around 17,200 people across Blackburn and Darwen.

Inspired by her own personal plight, Ms White has joined her Blackburn Fundraising group of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to help volunteer.

“Three years ago we lost our lovely daughter Miranda, aged 26 to a heart problem, said Ms White.

“We saw how the hospital staff fought to save her but it was not to be.

“We were and always will be devastated by the loss.”

After she lost her daughter, Ms White said it was a 'struggle to stay motivated' for her work as an image consultant.

But then one day someone suggested she should help out with a fashion show where all the proceeds would go to BHF.

Ms White said: “It was a lightbulb moment. Miranda had worked at the BHF for work experience from school and had continued afterwards as a volunteer as she enjoyed it so much.

“Nothing could bring Miranda back, but I could use my business to fundraiser and raise awareness for the BHF and along the way help other people. That would be Miranda’s legacy.”

Since then, Ms White has worked closely with the BHF, fundraising and using her own business to help others fundraise.

In June, she held a fashion show where £1,400 was raised for the charity.

She added: “We had a great day - it’s so worthwhile.

“We all have a heart - and we all can help the fight against heart disease.”

Hannah Saxon Groups and Volunteers Manager for the BHF said they were ‘delighted’ that Ms White has decided to give her time to support the BHF in Blackburn.

“Heart disease is heartless, she said.

“Too many lives are lost in Blackburn each year, and we’re determined to do everything we can to protect more families from this devastation.

“By signing up to your local fundraising group you can help us fund the research that’s so desperately needed to bring us closer to beating heart disease.

“Together we can save more lives.

“It’s also a fantastic way to meet new people and make a real difference in your community.”

And BHF has now called on residents in Blackburn and East Lancashire to join the fundraising group in their area and raise money for lifesaving research to help accelerate the fight against heart disease.

For more information about volunteering with the BHF and to get involved in Blackburn, people can visit www.bhf.org.uk/localfundraising or contact Hannah Saxon, BHF Groups and Volunteering Manager by emailing saxonh@bhf.org.uk or call 07714069135.