THE British Heart Foundation said a big thank you to a Tavistock woman who has celebrated more than 25 years of volunteering for the charity. Owen Penney, the BHF's volunteer manager for Devon, presented Kris Budge with her 25-year long service award at a fundraising event at the Wharf in Tavistock — organised with the help of Kris and her committee of course! He thanked Kris for her 'tireless efforts, her unbridled enthusiasm and her total professionalism for the past 25 years' and said they looked forward to the next twenty-five!' Kris, who lives in King Street, said: 'In the 27 years that the Tavistock committee has been formed we have raised almost £200,000 and provided equipment to local surgeries, Tavistock and Derriford Hospitals and PLIMS (Plymouth Locality Immediate Medical Support team). 'Heart disease touches us all. Every year, thousands die prematurely, and those who survive can find life difficult and frightening.' The BHF is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives every day by investing in pioneering research, supporting and caring for heart patients and their families, campaigning for change and providing vital information to help people care for their own heart health. The BHF is urgently appealing to members of the Tavistock community to lend a hand and help the charity continue its lifesaving work. Mr Penney said: 'The charity has opportunities for volunteers to work on their own or with a group of friends or colleagues or perhaps become a member of the Tavistock committee. 'You might want to help organise collections, arrange coffee mornings or attend cheque presentations or give talks, organise walks, book fairs, jogs or organise other fundraising events and activities that might have appeal for you. 'The BHF benefits greatly from your efforts and we hope you gain some new skills, meet some fantastic people and have a really fun and rewarding experience.' For more information call Owen on 01822 860146, email [email protected]">[email protected] or visit the http://www.bhf.org.uk">www.bhf.org.uk