72% of Scots have been affected by cardiovascular disease, new survey reveals

New research by national charity Heart Research UK has highlighted the severity of heart disease in Scotland, revealing that almost three quarters of Scots have been personally affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Continue reading 72% of Scots have been affected by cardiovascular disease, new survey reveals

Heart of Scotland Appeal stops off in London

A host of high-profile Scottish celebrities, including Bill Paterson, Richard Wilson and Jane McCarry, pledged their support to Heart Research UK’s ‘Heart of Scotland Appeal’ with a reception at London’s Dover House, the London HQ of the Scotland Office. Continue reading Heart of Scotland Appeal stops off in London

Heart of Scotland appeal

The Heart of Scotland appeal is seeking volunteers to help raise funds for pioneering research in to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease, Scotland’s biggest killer.

41 people a day die from cardiovascular disease in Scotland, and the Heart of Scotland Appeal are searching for individuals and groups to become Pace Makers and carry their message to all corners of the country.

The Heart of Scotland Appeal, launched by national charity Heart Research UK, features a striking t-shirt and four coloured badges designed by acclaimed Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane, each with their own unique message: Live, Life, Brave, Care.

The appeal has been backed by a host of Scottish stars, including David Moyes, KT Tunstall, Rory Bremner, Amy Macdonald, Val McDermid, Jane McCarry and Iain Glen.

Big names from Scottish politics have also got involved, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Rt Hon David Mundell pledging their support.

The Heart of Scotland Appeal are looking for people based all across the country to become Pace Makers to help sell these badges and raise money to be spent in Scottish hospitals and universities.

Sheena Forsyth, from Dumfries, became the very first Heart of Scotland Pace Maker. “I myself had open heart surgery due to issues with my heart valves,” she said.

“My sister has atrial fibrilation (irregular heart beat) and high blood pressure, my mother passed away from a stroke and my father had a massive heart attack.

“Scotland is known to have a bad record, especially where I am in the central belt, there’s a lot of heart disease.

“I got involved with the Heart of Scotland appeal because people need to get talking about heart-related illnesses. Stress, eating properly and not knowing about risks, there’s a lot of things that we need to get talking about.”

Sheena has committed to supporting the Heart of Scotland appeal by taking a box of badges and sharing them with her friends, family and colleagues and asking for donations.

Samantha Wells, Heart of Scotland lead said: “This appeal is all about improving the lives of people living in Scotland. We want this appeal to reach every corner of Scotland, Highlands and Islands, lowlands, coast and country, and we need your help to do so.

“We want everyone in Scotland wearing a badge and helping to keep those we love around for longer. 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.”

If you would like to know more about the Heart of Scotland appeal, or become a Pace Maker, please email heartofscotland@heartresearch.org.uk, or call 0113 234 7474.

Get involved at heartofscotland.org.uk

 

£10,000 grant available for Healthy Heart projects for Scottish communities

Community groups across the whole of Scotland that help local people look after their hearts can now apply for a regional grant up to £10,000, thanks to national charity Heart Research UK and the Subway® brand. Continue reading £10,000 grant available for Healthy Heart projects for Scottish communities

Heart Research UK launch appeal to take on heart disease in Scotland

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. Continue reading Heart Research UK launch appeal to take on heart disease in Scotland

Christopher Kane teaming up with Heart Research UK to take on heart disease in Scotland

National charity Heart Research UK are launching their ‘Heart of Scotland’ campaign, featuring limited-edition badges and t-shirts designed by internationally-acclaimed designer Christopher Kane. Continue reading Christopher Kane teaming up with Heart Research UK to take on heart disease in Scotland

Make a start, look after your heart – make your heart a priority in 2019

It’s the time of year that we all feel under pressure to make a fresh start. Whether it’s losing weight, taking on a new challenge or finding a new hobby, there’s no better time to do something new with our lives.

With modern life being so hectic, it’s not always easy to stick to your new year’s health resolutions. One way to ensure you stay committed is to sign up for a Heart Research UK challenge or event. This gives you a goal to aim for, people to support and sponsor you and the chance to enjoy a new experience in life, improve your health and help raise money for Heart Research UK’s pioneering medical research.

Heart Research UK has a whole host of exciting challenges for 2019 that are perfect to help you make your heart a priority, such as the iconic Great North Run, adrenaline-packed skydives or intrepid global challenges such as trekking the mighty Great Wall of China or cycling from London to Paris.

Leon Ancliffe, who took on the London Marathon for Heart Research UK (above) said: “Signing up is the first step. I couldn’t run around the common when I decided to do the marathon for Heart Research UK but boy did I get fit in the process. When I crossed the finish line in under 5 hours I couldn’t believe it – it was the best thing I’ve ever done!”

Closer to home, take on the My Run, My Way challenge, perfect for people who want to complete a running challenge on their own terms. Take on your own 5k, 10k, half or full marathon and do it your way. Choose a date, time, route, distance and people to run with if you’d like or do a solo challenge.

Fancy a dip? Give our Swim the Channel challenge a go, where you can conquer the English Channel, all from the comfort of your local swimming pool.

These challenges are perfect for people of all ages and abilities and can be completed wherever and whenever it suits.

Pat Bingham, who completed Heart Research UK’s Swim the Channel challenge and even met her partner during the challenge, said: “Age is no excuse, I was in my seventies when I took on the Swim the Channel  challenge. I did it in my local pool and loved every minute of it. I even met a special friend along the way!”

To get involved with a Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Challenge, just get in touch, sign up for an event and you will receive your FREE fundraising pack along with support from our friendly team and supporters.

Don’t put it off, set off in the right direction in 2019 and sign up today at www.heartresearch.org.uk/events, call 0113 2347474 or email community@heartresearch.org.uk

Free exercise classes for women from Scotland’s most ethnically diverse community

Women in the most ethnically diverse part of Scotland have been enjoying free weekly exercise classes and healthy heart lessons thanks to a locally raised £5,000 Heart Research UK and Subway® Healthy Heart Grant. Continue reading Free exercise classes for women from Scotland’s most ethnically diverse community