VOLUNTEERS are sought to help lead a collection at a supermarket in Yate in aid of two health charities.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Diabetes UK are appealing for enthusiastic volunteers to help co-ordinate a collection weekend at their local Tesco store, on 12 East Yate Road, with the aim of raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charities as part of the major national charity partnership between the two organisations and supermarket.

BHF and Diabetes UK are recruiting 300 team leader volunteers across the UK and are looking for one team leader in Yate to co-ordinate the Big Collection weekend, on June 13 and 13 locally, and a further eight more volunteers to help them.

The money raised will help fund a campaign which aims to encourage millions of people to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes by leading a healthier lifestyle.

Claire Gordon, south west regional manager for Diabetes UK, said: “By joining us at Tesco’s Yate a Extra store you can play a vital part in helping people live longer, healthier lives. Cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes are both serious conditions that can shorten lives.

“But it doesn’t have to be this way. Your support will mean that we can help millions of people reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”

Team leader volunteers will play a crucial role in organising the Big Collection and will work with Diabetes UK staff in their regional office in Taunton and their local Tesco store to prepare for the weekend, co-ordinate the collection operations over the three days and motivate a team of collection volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Big Collection they can email BigCollection@tescocharitypartnership.org.uk or phone 0345 123 2399.

For further information on the Big Collection and to find your nearest store visit http://www.diabetes.org.uk/big-collection.