BHF honour the living with benches that tell survival stories

The British Heart Foundation is marking its 65th anniversary by celebrating the people saved by its work, not those lost.

In a powerful twist on the traditional memorial, Saatchi & Saatchi has partnered with the charity to launch “In Living Memory” – a nationwide campaign honouring 65 survivors of cardiovascular disease with red benches installed across the UK.

Each bench is dedicated to someone who’s still here thanks to BHF-funded research.

Positioned in local parks, town centres and high streets, these striking red installations invite passers-by to reflect not on death, but on survival.

Every bench tells a real story of diagnosis, treatment and recovery – personal testimonies captured in film, radio, print and digital media.

Real voices and raw conversations lie at the heart of the integrated campaign, with survivors and their families sharing unscripted moments on their benches. Imagery will also run across OOH, featuring individuals seated where their stories unfolded.

Franki Goodwin, CCO at Saatchi & Saatchi, called it “a feat of production, integration and collaboration.”

BHF’s Damion Mower added, “Every story in this campaign is a powerful reminder that continued support isn’t just important – it’s lifesaving.”

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