THE British Heart Foundation Scotland is asking for the people of Helensburgh and surrounding area to vote for local lad Findlay Campbell in its annual Heart Hero Awards.

The awards recognise and celebrate BHF Scotland supporters, fundraisers, volunteers and partners who have made an exceptional contribution to the fight for every heartbeat.

Findlay, from Helensburgh, has been nominated in the Young Hero award category for his courage in sharing his story of having a congenital heart condition and showing dedication to raising awareness and understanding about BHF Scotland’s vital work.

Findlay is only nine years old and was born with a congenital heart block. At only a few days old he had a pacemaker, which he calls his 'tick tock', fitted to save his life.

Findlay’s battle isn’t over yet, as he has since had another operation and he will need one again in the future.

However, Findlay takes it all in his stride as he raises awareness and money for BHF Scotland as well as children on the cardiology ward at his local hospital.

James Cant, director at British Heart Foundation Scotland said, “Findlay is an inspirational little boy who proves you can fight back against heart disease. He is a perfect example of the extraordinary contribution made by our supporters. Without people like him, we wouldn’t be able to fund life-saving research.

“For over 50 years the BHF has pioneered research that has transformed the lives of millions of people living with heart disease. But heart and circulatory disease still kills more than one in four people in Scotland, stealing them away from their families and loved ones.”

To vote for Findlay Campbell visit bhf.org.uk/heartheroes

Shortlisted nominees will be revealed on the BHF website on 21 April. Winners will be announced at the Heart Hero Awards at the BHF Scotland Supporter Day 2017 in Edinburgh on Tuesday 27 June. To attend your local Supporter Day register at bhf.org.uk/conferences