BROADCASTER Julian Simmons has joined forces with a leading heart charity which is facing a financial crisis due to the devastating impact of Covid-19.
The UTV presenter is starring in a video to encourage people to donate, shop or volunteer at the local research charity the British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland (BHF NI).
The well-known continuity announcer said he had used lockdown to rifle through his wardrobe to find items to donate to the charity's Fountain Street store in Belfast.
"I had a quadruple heart bypass around 10 years ago so I know the importance of the research work the British Heart Foundation funds," said Mr Simmons.
"Like many charities BHF NI’s income has been hit hard by Covid-19 and they need our help now more than ever.
"It is great to know that my donation will go towards funding research that will help improve the lives of 225,000 local people living with heart and circulatory diseases."
Maureen McElhatton from BHF NI said:
"The coronavirus crisis has had a devastating impact on our income, and we anticipate having to cut our overall research budget by around £50 million this year.
"As Julian mentioned we are in urgent need of public support and donations to enable us to continue to support the charity’s important work."
