A HARDWORKING charity fundraiser from York has been invited to sit on the national board of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in recognition of his efforts.

Andy Kirby, 41, said he was delighted to be part of the national charity’s advisory body, which is made up of 30 members, hand-picked from across the UK.

On Saturday, Mr Kirby met fellow members of the BHF’s York Fundraising Committee, of which he is chairman, to celebrate raising more than £56,000 for vital research, in the past two years.

He said: “I began helping the BHF 15 years ago when I was approached to help out at an event. I helped out once and never left.

“I’m delighted to have been elected to the council and hope the addition of a volunteer from a local branch will prove to be very valuable and worthwhile.

“I believe it’s important to have a voice on the council representing this very important group of people who provide magnificent support to the BHF.”

Mr Kirby, who is from Stillingfleet, said: “I get a tremendous amount out of it. We have a great bunch of people.”

Sharon Oakley, BHF fundraising manager for North Yorkshire, said: “The BHF Committee has gone from strength to strength under Andy’s chairmanship and it is truly inspiring that Andy and other members are able to donate their valuable time to raise vital funds, year-on-year, given their many commitments.

“Over the last two years, since January 2011, the committee has raised an amazing £56,185.”

As well as his charity work, Mr Kirby is kept busy with two children, Jake, ten, and nine-year-old Esme, and his full time job as director of financial services organisation, Mint Wealth Management.

The York BHF branch also featured in The Press last year when member Bob Taylor appeared alongside actor Vinnie Jones in a high-profile television and poster campaign.