Tag: BHF Scotland

MSP backs lifesaving CPR campaign to mark Heart Month

Foysol Choudhury MSP is urging people across Lothian to show their support for the British Heart Foundation this Heart Month, by helping to save and improve the lives of those affected by heart and circulatory diseases.  

From learning lifesaving CPR to “Going Red” to support ground-breaking research, the BHF hopes to inspire the nation to get involved and join the campaign this February. 

There are around 3,100 cardiac arrests out of hospital in Scotland every year but sadly just one in ten people survive. However, early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival. 

This Heart Month, the BHF is encouraging everyone to learn CPR using its first-of-a-kind tool, RevivR, which helps the public learn this lifesaving skill for free in just 15 minutes – and all that is needed is a mobile phone and a firm cushion.  

RevivR teaches how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps of defibrillator use, giving anyone the confidence to step in and save a life in the event of the ultimate medical emergency.​ 

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “This is such an important campaign and I’m delighted to support it. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and knowing what to do in those crucial moments could be the difference between life and death. We need more people to know CPR in our communities and the BHF’s RevivR tool makes it easy. It’s free, simple to follow and in 15 minutes you will learn how to become a lifesaver.” 

Alongside learning CPR with RevivR, the BHF is also encouraging supporters to “Go Red” this Heart Month to help fund groundbreaking research into heart and circulatory diseases, which affect around 700,000 people in Scotland. The BHF is currently funding more than £50 million of research in Scotland – research that is funded entirely by donations from the public.  

David McColgan, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “We’re delighted Foysol Choudhury MSP is backing the BHF’s Heart Month campaign, working together with us to help save and improve more lives from heart and circulatory diseases. 

“CPR could be the most important lesson you ever learn. With RevivR, it only takes 15 minutes – that’s a coffee break, half time in the football or the time you might spend scrolling through social media. It could help you save a life.” 

“Our BHF-funded scientists are also working to find the breakthroughs to help those affected by heart and circulatory diseases. Over the last 60 years, research has turned ideas that once seemed like ‘science fiction’ into reality. By going red and supporting the BHF this Heart Month, you will be helping to fund vital research that makes a real difference and helps to keep families together for longer.” 

To find out more – bhf.org.uk/heartmonth #HeartMonth  

Charity thrilled after receiving incredible donations via post after lockdown clearouts

The British Heart Foundation has received high value and unique donations via its postal donation service

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has received an array of high value and rare items through its freepost donation service, helping to raise funds for life saving research.

The UK’s largest charity retailer was delighted to be sent treasures, ranging from incredible World War Two memorabilia, OMEGA watches and designer clothing, to electric guitars and the newest phones, cameras and gaming consoles.

The charity believes the boost in these eclectic donations can be credited to the nation decluttering during lockdown and the convenience of its freepost donation service. This service allows people to send smaller quality donations for free, by simply downloading a freepost label via the BHF’s website and dropping to a local Collect+.

These one-of-a-kind items went on to be sold on the charity’s eBay store, helping to raise just shy of an incredible £70,000 in just five months, for research into heart and circulatory diseases.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of UK households who have and continue to dig out some of their very best preloved items and post them off to us.

“We’ve been thrilled to receive such a vast array of high value and collectable items from vintage Lego sets, Sigma camera lenses, to Vivienne Westwood shirts and a collection of Hornby Dublo tin trains, via our freepost donation service.

“Our team of experts at eBay are trained in recognising the true value of donations so everything auctioned on the site goes for the absolute best price.

“We rely on the generosity of the public whose donations of quality items deliver much-needed stock for our shops and online outlets. Every item sold helps raise funds for life saving research. That’s why we are appealing to the nation to keep donating unwanted pieces to us and take on our Declutter Challenge, so we can support the 700,000 people living with heart and circulatory diseases in Scotland.”

This September, the charity is calling on the nation to have a clear out and donate any quality preloved and unwanted items by taking on its Declutter Challenge.

Donating to the BHF couldn’t be easier. Simply drop your items to one of BHF Scotland’s 76 shops and stores, send them straight to the charity via its free post donation service, or arrange a free collection.

Every item sold by the BHF in store or online, through the charity’s eBay shop and Depop site, will be turned into funds for life saving research. 

The charity retailer says its shops are particularly keen to receive winter wear to sell throughout the coming season as well as clothing, jewellery, toys, books and vinyl, and larger items such as sofas, furniture, homewares, tech and electronic gadgets.

Take on the Declutter Challenge this September:

Declutter and donate today at: www.bhf.org.uk/declutter  

Over 6,800 youngsters to be taught CPR in Lothian every year

Around 40,000 youngster in Lothian are set to be taught CPR in the classroom before they leave school, with over 6,800 pupils being taught every year,  thanks to a national campaign by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland. Continue reading Over 6,800 youngsters to be taught CPR in Lothian every year