A STROUD man who has suffered from a genetic heart disorder has urged Christmas shoppers to consider a range of alternative gifts this year in aid of UK charity The British Heart Foundation.

Charlie Pierce, who has been helped by the charity's vital research, has a genetic heart disorder and fears his son Finn may be affected by a similar condition in the future.

"I think I was the first in my family to be affected by a genetic heart disorder but now Finn, our eldest boy, appears to have picked up the potential to experience a condition similar to my own," he said.

The British Heart Foundation has launched a range of alternative Christmas gifts to help people like Charlie and Finn.

Gift-givers can choose from a range of presents that contribute towards the heart research of the future.

There are six gifts to choose from, including a contribution towards research into genetic predisposition to heart disease and research to help babies with heart problems.

The gifts range from £14 to £250 and will be presented to the recipient in a presentation box with a personalised greetings card and a keepsake tube vase.

For more information, visit bhf.org.uk.