I AM writing to encourage your readers to throw the book at heart disease and support the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) Book Appeal this May. By donating their unwanted books to their local BHF Shop, they will be refilling its shelves while saving lives.

As a writer I love a great story but there's no point hoarding a good book when someone else can enjoy it!

The Appeal aims to bring in a million books this month and follows a 20 per cent shortfall in donations nationwide throughout the last 12 months despite BHF Shops being busier than ever.

Are you considering buying a new read for your holiday this year and looking to make space on your bookshelf? Have you discovered all you need to know in that latest cook book / sports biography?

With over half a million new books sold every day in UK you can easily make a difference by donating your old books to BHF Shops. Just nine good quality books can raise enough money to fund a BHF scientist for one hour - helping the fight against heart disease - the UK's biggest killer.

Last year BHF Shops raised more than £20 million, helped by the sale of second-hand items, so think twice before hoarding those dusty books for yet another year!

To find your nearest BHF Shop or BHF Book Bank please call 0844 412 5000 or visit bhf.org.uk/books Dame Jacqueline Wilson (Award winning author)