A BOURNEMOUTH woman with a history of drug addiction has helped raise nearly £300,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

 Louise Hansford, 52 took part in the Bournemouth Pier to Pier swim which saw 1,200 swimmers taking on a 1.4 mile swim between Boscombe and Bournemouth Pier.

Louise celebrated 21 years drug-free by slipping on her wet suit and splashing into the water on June 29.

The annual swimming event helps fund the British Heart Foundation’s ground-breaking research into new treatments and cures for heart and circulatory diseases.

Louise raised £645 by taking on the challenge,

Speaking on the experience, Louise said: “I like to take on a new challenge every year to celebrate my recovery. I have a disability which makes events like this more challenging, but it’s been an amazing experience.

Taking part in the 2024 Bournemouth Pier to Pier for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) was such a huge challenge and an incredible experience. The atmosphere was so much fun.

“Being surrounded by people all swimming for the same cause was amazing, and everyone was so encouraging, it made me even more determined to power on to the finish.   

“The research that the BHF does makes such a difference to the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases, so I’m proud to know I’m doing as much as I can to support their amazing work to help fund the next big scientific breakthrough.”

Kate Sparks, Senior Events Manager at the BHF, added: “It’s fantastic to see Louise’s passion in taking on this challenge and helping us fund lifesaving research.

"Without the support of people like Louise, we wouldn’t be able to help revolutionise treatments and transform the lives of millions of people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK.    

“For those who are feeling inspired, entries are now open for next year’s Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim, so we’d urge everyone to take the plunge now to help us fund vital research to save and improve more lives.”     

Tickets for the 2025 Bournemouth Pier to Pier swim are available