The British Heart Foundation is calling on engaged couples throughout the county to think about sharing their wedding day with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland.

'Celebrate with the BHF' is a novel way to ask family and friends to mark your wedding day by donating to British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland instead of buying a gift.

The initiative was recently taken up by Derrygonnelly couple, Janice and Chris Allen from Churchill, who raised nearly £400 for BHF Northern Ireland by inviting guests at their December wedding to make a donation rather than buy a gift.

"We wanted to support BHF Northern Ireland because my dad Leslie passed away after a heart attack in 1990 at the age of just 46," Janice explained.

"We gave our guests the option and many of them were happy to donate money by giving us cash or donating through our justgiving website."

For further information on Celebrate with the BHF you can call 020 7487 9404 or visit bhf.org.uk/celebrate

Whether it's by funding research, educating people on how to prevent a heart-related illness or providing care for people with heart problems, you and your friends will be helping to save and improve the lives of those affected by heart disease.

As well as creating your own webpage, receiving messages from loved ones and uploading your own images, BHF Northern Ireland will also supply you with materials to make your day extra special including heart-shaped table confetti, balloons, badges and personalised donation forms.