National charity Heart Research UK will launch their ‘Heart of Scotland’ appeal at an exclusive lunchtime event at the Balmoral Hotel today featuring appearances from a host of high profile Scottish supporters.
The Heart of Scotland is a fundraising appeal to raise and spend money in Scotland on vital medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. It’s a way for everyone to honour, to celebrate and to share the stories of our hearts and to raise funds for the life changing breakthroughs of tomorrow.
The appeal has already gained massive celebrity support, from names such as Amy McDonald, David Moyes, Val McDermid, Mark Bonnar and many more.
The Heart of Scotland appeal is launching with a range of four striking coloured badges and one-of-a-kind t-shirts designed by internationally-acclaimed designer Christopher Kane on sale across Scotland, along with a raft of fundraising events across the country.
Fashion designer Christopher Kane said: “The Heart of Scotland appeal is a cause that is literally so close to my heart, anything that can raise awareness and potentially save lives is always worthwhile.
“Growing up in Scotland in a working class environment, heart disease was always prevalent. So many of my parent’s family and friends passed at an early age from “heart attacks” and no one blinked an eye.
“So it’s good to be part of (albeit in a small way) educating and reinforcing preventive measures, this saves so much heart ache”
The appeal includes a dedicated week of fundraising and celebrations, building up to 21 June 2019, the longest day of the year.
The money raised in Scotland will be spent in Scotland, funding pioneering medical research in to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.
The appeal already has considerable high profile support from key figures from the worlds of entertainment, music, government and sport, and has received cross-party support from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Rt Hon David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland.
First Minister Sturgeon said: “Heart disease affects far too many people across Scotland and we need to do all we can to help combat the disease. This is why I welcome Heart of Scotland and commend everyone involved in its work.
“By business, government and civic society coming together and combining our efforts, we can make a real difference to lives across Scotland, and I am sure the Heart of Scotland appeal will be a great success.”
Rory Bremner said: “Regrettably, heart disease is still up there with Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Bridges as a widely-recognised Scottish institution, killing more of our fellow Scots than any other disease.
“It doesn’t have to be like this. I’m proud to support the Heart of Scotland appeal and urge you to as well in any way you can.”
Barbara Harpham, Heart Research UK Chief Executive (above) said: “Most people in Scotland will have been touched by heart disease, the nation’s single biggest killer. The Heart of Scotland appeal is an opportunity for Scots to take on heart disease together.
“We want this campaign to reach ever corner of the country, Highlands and Islands, Lowlands, coast and country, and raise money to fund pioneering medical research in Scotland’s hospitals and universities.
“The fact is, you are almost twice as likely to die from coronary heart disease in Scotland than you are in the South-east of England. This needs to change and we need Scotland’s help.”
To find out how to get involved and to enquire about badges and t-shirts, please visit heartofscotland.org.uk or call 0113 234 7474.
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