Heart charity gears up for Big Give Christmas Challenge

Cardiac Rehab aims to raise £20,000 during the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which takes place between 3 – 10 December.

For every £1 donated during this match-funded campaign, the Alton-based heart charity will be able to double the donation, helped by its champion Hampshire Cricket Foundation and generous donors.

Funds raised will enable Cardiac Rehab to deliver specialist exercise services, while helping to maintain and enhance its purpose-built exercise centre in Chawton Park Road. To coincide with the Big Give Christmas Challenge, Cardiac Rehab has a released a short film, Taking Fitness To Heart, that showcases its medically-led service offering.

Cardiac Rehab CEO Sarah Quarterman says: “Our new film enables us to explain to supporters and potential new exercisers who we are and what we do, in a very concise and clear way.

“During the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which is the UK’s biggest match-funded campaign, there will be an opportunity for your donation to be doubled. And we very much hope to achieve our target of £20,000, through the generosity of our community and individual donors and through Gift Aid by individuals.”

To donate to Cardiac Rehab’s 2024 appeal, follow this link which will enable a donation to be made via Cardiac Rehab’s page on Big Give’s website from 12 noon on Tuesday 3rd December: The Active Health Support Fund /

In 2023, the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge supported more than 1,000 charities and raised £33 million during one week. This was up 15% on the total for 2022, and notable given the impact of the cost of living crisis on people’s ability to make charitable donations.

The funds raised this year via Big Give will make a huge difference to charities facing challenges over the winter owing to rising costs and increased demand for their services.