2010 was the year of two highly-successful campaigns which the T&A backed. Health Reporter CLAIRE LOMAX looks at the Beating Hearts In Bradford campaign Each year, almost 1,500 people die from heart and circulatory problems in Bradford.

That is why experts at the British Heart Foundation agreed with cardiologists at Bradford Royal Infirmary when they said they needed to take advantage of cutting-edge technology to see this number dramatically reduced.

With the help of the Telegraph & Argus, the Beating Hearts In Bradford Appeal was launched to ask the people of Bradford to join the fight against heart disease and bring the latest diagnostic equipment to Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Echo-cardiographs are a specialised test which looks at the structure of the patient’s heart. A probe is placed on the chest and a pulse of high-frequency sound is passed through the skin. The echoes reflected by the pulse show as a picture on a screen to provide detailed information about the heart.

Every year, around 5,000 heart scans are carried out at BRI. At the start of 2010 all these were done in 2D, but the aim of the Beating Hearts In Bradford Appeal was to raise £125,000 to buy a 3D echocardiograph machine – a new generation of cardiac ultrasound machine.

Those who backed the campaign included local heart patients who told their stories to inspire others, families who raised money in memory of loved ones, local schools, businesses, voluntary and charitable organisations, rotary clubs, Bradford Heart Support Group and sporting clubs, including Bradford Bulls.

Other money was given through donations and legacies, including a £20,000 contribution from Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

In August this year, the British Heart Foundation announced the target had been achieved in just 14 months thanks to the support of T&A readers.

This month, medical staff, heart patients and fundraisers gathered at Bradford Royal Infirmary to celebrate the arrival of the new scanner which will save lives in the city.

Sue Green, BHF fundraising and volunteer manager for West Yorkshire, summed it up when she said: “What a fantastic achievement for the community of Bradford.”

In the new year, the 3D scanner will be working hard, under the guidance of experts at BRI, providing vital diagnoses and allowing cardiologists to plan how to best to treat patients and reduce the devastating impact of heart disease.