A BROMSGROVE resident who lost his wife to a heart attack the day before their son's wedding is lending his support to a fundraising campaign.

Tony Vine, from Greenacres Road, in Sidemoor, will join townsfolk between June 4 and 12 for Help a Heart Week.

The campaign, set up by the British Heart Foundation, aims to raise both awareness and funds for the fight against heart disease.

In July 16 2004, Tony's wife Margaret, 54, was looking forward to her son's wedding the following day when she fell from a stool and collapsed on the kitchen floor.

Tony said: "When we turned her over she was blue. My son, a first aider, tried to resuscitate her while an ambulance was called but it was too late. When the medics arrived they pronounced she was dead.

"We were all just stunned but I knew the wedding had to go ahead. Margaret would have wanted it that way.

"What it does make you realise is that heart disease can happen to anyone at anytime."

Anyone interested in raising funds for Help a Heat Week can also take part in the Hearts First Worcester Bike Ride on June 5. It's a 30-mile ride through north Worcestershire, taking in Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove, with a ten-mile option for families with young children.

To order a Help a Heart Week fundraising pack, to make a donation or to compete in the ride, call 0800 028 2091.