SIXTY-EIGHT men and women die in the Borders, on average, every year from heart disease, according to the country’s leading heart charity.
Launching its campaign for National Heart Month, the British Heart Foundation Scotland revealed this week that the figures translate into 196 Borders families facing losing a loved one every single year from heart disease.
Barbara Osborne, BHF Scotland’s Head of Volunteer Fundraising, says the figures published in its ‘Coronary Heart Disease Statistics 2012’ give a snapshot of the state of the nation’s heart health.
“These show that every year over 8,000 men and women in Scotland lose their lives to heart disease, the country’s single biggest killer,” she said.
“We need to raise vital funds in the Borders to help care for people with heart disease, to support their families, to campaign on their behalf and to fund pioneering research to save lives.
“And, if you think about it, most of us know someone affected by heart disease – that’s why we’re asking everyone to go Red for Heart and raise funds. You can organise your own fundraising event, or we can send you our free fundraising kit, full of ideas and materials to help you on your day.
“One really easy way to get involved is to join in National Wear Red Day on February 24, when we’re asking groups of friends and colleagues to join in for a suggested donation of £1 each.
“Please help, we need your donations or time and money now.”
There’s lots of information, ideas and tips about how to go Red for Heart on the BHF’s website at bhf.org.uk/red and to order a free Red for Heart fundraising kit call 0131 555 5891.