Exercise is vital for a healthy heart and few people keep fitter than the players at Bradford Bulls who are throwing their weight behind the Beating Hearts in Bradford Appeal.

The British Heart Foundation, with the help of the Telegraph & Argus and the people of Bradford, aims to raise a total of £105,000 to fund a 3D echocardiograph machine for Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The state-of-the-art heart scanner enables doctors to see an extremely accurate picture of the structure, valves and pumping action of the heart, helping them make informed and speedier diagnoses.

The Bulls have pledged their backing to the appeal and earlier this year players Mike Worrincy and Rikki Sheriffe attended a special assembly at Keelham Primary School in Thornton, when they met the pupils as part of National Heart Month.

The children also learned all about the appeal from Sue Green, of the British Heart Foundation.

Bulls player Sam Burgess, who features on a Beating Hearts in Bradford Appeal leaflet, said: “Bradford Bulls are committed to improving the health and lifestyle of the Bradford community and this machine is vital to heart patients in the city. We are delighted to be able to offer our support to such a valuable piece of equipment.”

Bulls media manager Stuart Duffy said: “Bradford Bulls are delighted to support the Beating Hearts in Bradford Appeal.

“The fitness and well being of the local community has been a big part of our plans since the inception of Super League. This appeal will hopefully lead to a more fitter and active population who will be healthier as a result.”

The British Heart Foundation has issued advice as part of the campaign:

the heart is a muscle and needs to work out, however recent statistics suggest seven out of ten adults don’t do enough physical activity and this increases the risk of heart disease

studies suggest that being physically active in middle age can increase your life expectancy by two years, the same benefit as giving up smoking

being active at any age helps control weight, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and will provide long-term benefits for your heart health

activity can include swimming, cycling, running, walking, gardening and climbing the stairs as well things like gym sessions

set a goal to build up to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on five or more days of the week. Moderate exercise is one that makes you breathe more heavily than normal and makes you warmer

stop exercising if you feel any pain or discomfort and seek advise from your GP before becoming more physically active, particularly if you have a condition that you’re taking prescribed medication for.