The Heart of Scotland Appeal is sending an invitation to everyone to take part in the first ever Big Scottish Picnic, a nationwide fundraiser to raise money for life-saving research across Scotland.
From the 7th-13th June, the Heart of Scotland Appeal is encouraging people to hold their own Big Scottish Picnics, enjoy some delicious treats and share stories about those they love, with those they love, all while raising vital funds to help take on heart disease.
The Heart of Scotland Appeal was launched in 2019 by Heart Research UK, in response to shocking stats regarding cardiovascular disease in Scotland.
Currently, 47 people a day die from cardiovascular disease, and the death rate is more than 50% higher than in the South East of England. The appeal was launched to raise money in Scotland, for Scotland, to support pioneering research at universities and hospitals across the country.
Recent grants have included £250,000 to the University of Glasgow to study the effects of COVID-19 on blood vessels.
The appeal was backed by First Minister Sturgeon, as well as a host of Scottish stars, including David Moyes, Amy McDonald, Jane McCarry and Heart Research UK patrons Mark Bonnar and Christopher Kane, the latter of which designed limited edition merchandise for the appeal.
Whether you’d like to host your Big Scottish Picnic in person or virtually, there are loads of resources available for you to download, including posters, invites and zoom backgrounds. There is also plenty of activities, recipes and fundraising ideas, to make sure that your picnic goes down a storm!
As an added treat, all picnics that raise over £47 will be entered into a draw to have a live Zoom visit from Heart Research UK patron Mark Bonnar, star of Line of Duty, Guilt and Catastrophe.
Amanda Donaldson, Senior Fundraiser for the Heart of Scotland appeal, said: “After what has been a difficult year for us all, I know we are all looking forward to coming together with friends and family and enjoying some of the famous Scottish weather.
“The Big Scottish Picnic is perfect for catching up with those we’ve missed, sharing some delicious food and making new memories, all whilst supporting an amazing cause.
“We know research works, but the 700,000 people living with heart disease need it to pick up the pace. Hosting a Big Scottish Picnic will help fund pioneering medical research here in Scotland, drive breakthroughs in treatment and help keep those we love around for longer.”
For more information, and to register to host your own Big Scottish Picnic, please visit https://heartresearch.org.uk/bsp/