AFC TOTTON have joined forces with Wessex Heartbeat in a bid to improve the region’s cardiac health.

The two organisations have signed a three-year deal, which will see them work together to raise money for the charity and heighten people’s awareness of ways to keep themselves healthy.

Wessex Heartbeat’s cardiac nurses will carry out healthy heart checks on Totton’s players and staff.

The charity also plan to sponsor some of AFC Totton’s health in the community projects, such as walking football and cage cricket, and will work alongside the Evo-Stik Division One South club to run fundraising initiatives.

In return, the Wessex Heartbeat logo will sit proudly pitch-side at the Testwood Stadium for the next three years.

Totton's main stand has been renamed The Wessex Heartbeat Stand, with the specially commissioned signage unveiled ahead of the Stags' 2-0 home win over Street last Saturday.

The players joined in the celebrations by wearing Wessex Heartbeat T-shirts during the pre-match warm-up.

John Munro, chief executive of Wessex Heartbeat, says the educational side of the partnership is just as important as the fundraising opportunities it will unlock.

“We are working hard to reduce heart disease on the front line and our partnership with AFC Totton will allow us to reach tens of thousands of people with our message,” he explained.

“We hope to educate the team, supporters and the wider Totton community about the steps they can take to keep their hearts healthy.”

Wayne Mew, AFC Totton chairman, added: “The club is increasingly becoming a community hub and it’s important for us to look out for our neighbours. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Wessex Heartbeat and help to spread the message about heart health.

“Exercise plays a vital role in keeping hearts healthy and we have a commitment to the whole community to ensure that the wonderful facilities we have here are being used to help everyone – whatever their background, history or experience – get some exercise into their lifestyle.”

Wessex Heartbeat hopes to set up a regular drop-in session in the Totton clubhouse, offering post-operative support and education for people in Totton that have been affected by heart disease.

Coronary heart disease remains the number one killer in the UK and there are around seven million people living with cardiovascular disease today.

Munro concluded: “These are worrying stats and so prevention is critical for us going forward. Partnering with community hubs such as AFC Totton provides the perfect platform for us to educate and inform.”