A West Cumbrian woman has been crowned a British Heart Foundation 'champion' after winning an esteemed award.

Megan Lishman, 33, received the accolade at the annual British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) conference in Manchester.

The award recognised her "bravery, compassion and drive" in her work at Workington and Cockermouth leisure centres and her volunteering at the West Cumberland Hospital.

As well as her day-to-day role at the leisure centres, Megan has introduced a GP referral scheme within both centres, establishing firm relationships with all local GP's and healthcare professionals whilst promoting health care improvements on social media.

She has also set up an ‘over 55 club’ at both facilities where she organises relaxation and social gatherings for any person who has suffered a heart event or those who know someone that has been effected.

After completing a 10-week voluntary course at the West Cumberland Hospital, Megan rushed to help a lady who collapsed in the gym, recognising her symptoms as a stroke and calling an ambulance.

The lady returned again a week later and thanked her for helping to save her life.

The BHF Alliance awards are judged in two separate stages by a panel of cardiology and healthcare experts who rate nominations on several categories, including how teams and individuals have gone above and beyond the basic requirements of their role.

Megan said: “My father has a severe cardiomyopathy and I treat every patient as I would my dad. I thoroughly enjoy my job and am grateful for the experiences and knowledge I gain daily from delivering the schemes.

“Seeing even the smallest improvements in my patient’s confidence or lifestyle is what I love about my role and my drive to learn more about all heart conditions keeps me highly motivated.”

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, who presented the award, said: “Megan’s extraordinary devotion to improving the lives of people who have suffered a heart event, or family members or friends who have been indirectly affected, is outstanding.

“Managing her day-to-day role whilst volunteering and running these extra schemes for patients made her stand out against the competition."