Supporting the British Heart Foundation is something very close to my heart. My mum, Dawn, passed away in 2025 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a hereditary heart condition — a loss that has changed my life and my family's.

My mum and I regularly supported the British Heart Foundation together, and continuing to donate in her memory feels like a meaningful way to honour her legacy. Through Starstory, I'm proud to continue supporting the charity that meant so much to us both.

Heart conditions affect millions of people and families, and for many, the journey of love, loss and remembrance is one you may understand all too well.

With every Starstory order, £1 is set aside to annually donate to British Heart Foundation, helping to fund life-saving research, improve diagnosis, support families living with heart conditions, and give hope to future generations.

As a nurse working in both hospital and community settings, I've seen first-hand the impact that loneliness and social isolation can have on people's lives. I've also witnessed the amazing comfort, purpose and companionship that an animal can bring.

Animals have always been a big part of our lives. When my cockapoo Molly was younger, I'd take her to visit my friend's care home, where I saw the happiness, comfort and connection that she made with residents there. Later, when my mum welcomed Daisy into her life, she gave her so much more than companionship. Daisy gave her a reason to get up each morning, to smile, a renewed sense of purpose, and unconditional love during her final year with us. After Mum passed away, Daisy came to live with us, making sure she'd always have a loving home and never need to be rehomed.

These experiences, together with the charity's values and mission, are why I've chosen to support Give a Dog a Bone... and an animal a home this year.

By removing financial barriers, they help people over the age of 60 welcome a rescue animal into their lives by supporting adoption fees and, where needed, helping with the ongoing cost of pet food. They also create welcoming community spaces where older adults can enjoy friendship, activities and the comfort of spending time with dogs, even if they aren't able to have a pet of their own.

With every Starstory order, £1 is also set aside to annually donate to Give a Dog a Bone... and an animal a home, helping older adults and rescue animals find comfort, connection and a brighter future together.