A GROUP of Mini enthusiasts from Malvern has raised more than £1,000 for the fight against heart disease in the last year.

Mercia Minis chose the British Heart Foundation as its nominated charity following the sudden death of Andrea Cochrane, wife of club chairman Eddie Cochrane, in 2014.

Members got involved by donating £1 each time they attended a free show or held charity auctions and raffles. Their fundraising efforts got competitive when they devised a Cylinder Head challenge with participants competing to undertake the task against the clock, donating 20 pence for the chance to beat each other. As a result, they raised a total of £1,102.

Mr Cochrane said: “As a whole, most of the funds raised have come from within the club; we are thrilled with our achievement and proud to have contributed to a cause so close to our hearts.

"The BHF is leading the fight against heart disease and we are so pleased to have raised money to support their vital work. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our members in helping us make a real difference.”

Jenine McGaughran, fundraising manager at the foundation, said: “We would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who has helped make our partnership with Mercia Minis such a success.

"Heart disease is an urgent problem. Too many lives are lost to heart and circulatory conditions each year, and the money raised from this partnership will play a crucial role in helping us find new ways to help keep more hearts beating.”