BIG-hearted neighbours have been thanked for their support for a novel fundraiser for heart research.

Red balloons popped up across Knutsford estates on Sunday as British Heart Foundation supporters held a series of garage sales.

The Garage Sale Trail was staged by the Knutsford branch of the BHF, and saw sales at 14 homes on the Grove Park and The Ways estates.

The sales took place between 2pm and 4pm, and were organised by Knutsford BHF branch chairman Nina Eastwood, who was hoping to raise between £150 and £200.

Despite the poor weather, with constant drizzle and heavy rain for the last half hour, people came out to support the sales, including Knutsford Mayor Cllr Andrew Malloy, which raised more than £370.

The figure took the total raised by the branch to more than £1,000 in three days, following a collection at Booths supermarket in Knutsford on Friday and Saturday, which raised more than £700.

Knutsford Guardian:

Town Mayor Cllr Andrew Malloy with Jacob and Luca

Nina said: “I was really pleased with the amount we raised on Sunday considering the weather, and people were very generous.

“The sales includes books, children’s toys, cakes and food, and homes taking part donated some or all their takings to the BHF.

“Because of the weather we might look to hold the event in spring or summer next year.”

Red balloons were displayed at the homes taking part, which had maps of where to find the sales, which had been rescheduled after being called off two weeks ago because of torrential rain.

Knutsford Guardian:

Last weekend's bucket collection at Booths in Knutsford

One of the sales was held at Nina’s home, where she had the help of her sons Jacob, 10, and Luca, eight, who attend Bexton Primary School.

The boys helped their mum to make cakes for their stall and deliver leaflets around the estate, and Jacob spoke at a school assembly about the fundraising event.

Knutsford Guardian:

Jake and Oscar on their stall

The BHF has a special meaning for Nina as Luca underwent open heart surgery at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital at the age of five months.

The Knutsford BHF group is starting preparations for its annual Ladies Night at The Courthouse in Knutsford, which takes place on February 1, 2020.

Knutsford Guardian:

Darwin manning his stall on Sunday in the rain

It is being organised by Nina and Sian Rourke from Macclesfield, whose son Ted also had open heart surgery at Alder Hey.

Money raised at the Ladies Night, which is called Black, White and Sparkles, will be divided between the BHF and Alder Hey.

The homes taking part in Sunday’s fundraiser were in Lowland Way, Grassfield Way, Summers Way, Roxby Way, Valley Way, Highland Way and Grove Park.

Knutsford Guardian:

BHF supporters at the Blue and Bling Ladies Night. Whitrigg Photography

The Knutsford BHF group is looking for new members, and also a new treasurer and secretary in the coming months. If anyone can help please email eastwoodnina@gmail.com

Knutsford Guardian:

Nina Eastwood and Sian Rourke at last year's Wear Red for BHF Ladies Night. Whitrigg Photography