British Heart Foundation appeals for local heroes
British Heart Foundation Scotland needs 50 Heart Heroes in the Highlands and Islands to help raise funds to save lives in its 50th birthday year.
The nation’s heart charity launched its Hand on Heart volunteer campaign today on June 1 to run throughout the month. Volunteers play a vital role in BHF Scotland’s work and are all real Heart Heroes. Last year, they helped raised over £30 million across the UK.
Maureen Semple, from Inverness, has just been named an area winner in BHF Scotland’s Heart Hero Awards – Volunteer of the Year. She has suffered from heart problems for over 40 years and had a heart transplant in 2005 when she was 49.
She was just 10 years old when doctors discovered she had a heart murmur and she was later diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
Working with the charity’s local fundraising volunteer manager Kathy McIlwaine, Maureen has been able to find a volunteering role with BHF Scotland that really suits her.
Maureen, a member of BHF Scotland’s Inverness branch, said: "Recently I’ve been identifying places that will take collecting cans, such as shops and gyms. I visit these places to collect the cans so our supporters get the personal touch and I think that helps to raise awareness of BHF Scotland.
"I really enjoy it and the great thing is that if I’m feeling tired or a bit unwell, this role is flexible and works around that."
It doesn’t stop there for Maureen. She hopes to set up a local support group for people affected by cardiomyopathy and she is a keen fundraiser herself, with plans to stage a 1970s night next year (the seventh anniversary of her transplant) and a cookery demonstration with a well-known local chef.
A BHF Scotland volunteer who raises £30 at a street collection would fund a Heartstart emergency life support training pack. A volunteer raising £180 by placing collecting tins or pin badges in local businesses could help to fund a full day’s BHF Scotland specialist nursing care. By raising £250 at a sponsored walk, a volunteer could cover the cost of a hand-held ECG machine.
Ms McIlwaine said: "Our volunteers truly are Heart Heroes and work with us to help us beat heart disease. We want you to put your hand on your heart, give time and join them.
"There are so many ways you can support us, from helping with local fundraising to volunteering in a BHF Scotland shop. Or you could put on your own event to raise money or even campaign to protect Scotland’s heart health.
"Volunteers tell us that helping the charity is not only incredibly rewarding but also a lot of fun. I look forward to hearing from you and hope you can support us in our 50th birthday year."
For more information about volunteering for the nation’s heart charity visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer, e-mail volunteer@bhf.org.uk or call 0300 456 8353.