British Heart Foundation - Ramp up the Red Feb2014Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, continued her support for the work of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) yesterday (4th February), when the charity revealed their first ever pop-up shop in the Houses of Parliament.

Catherine met shop staff and volunteers to hear how BHF shops in Newcastle and across the country raise vital funds for life-saving research. During the visit, Catherine backed the British Heart Foundation’s campaign for people to ‘Ramp up the Red’ later this week.

On 7th February, the BHF are urging the public to Ramp up the Red to raise both funds and awareness of heart disease, by wearing something red, hosting a red-themed party, or baking some red-coloured treats.

Catherine said: ‘I am pleased to help raise awareness of heart disease by taking part in Ramp up the Red. I hope the public join me on Friday and help to beat a devastating disease which can affect anyone, from babies to grandparents, male and female.  

‘By popping up this week in Parliament, the BHF has reminded us of the vital role their shops play in raising funds for life-saving research.’

Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer, responsible for almost 74,000 deaths in the UK each year, an average of 200 people each day. There are currently 2.3million people in the UK living with coronary heart disease. 

Mike Taylor, Retail Director at the BHF, said ‘We wanted to show MPs just how important our shops are – without our shop staff, including 23,000 volunteers across the UK, we simply couldn’t continue our life-saving work.

‘It is fantastic to see Catherine showing her support and ramping up the red. All the money raised on 7th February will help us truly fight for every heartbeat.’ 

For more information about Ramp up the Red or to donate please visit  bhf.org.uk/red

 

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