Who is your heart hero?

helping stroke survivors regain their independence and needs our help.

Whether you don some purple clothing with your colleagues at work, hold a purple bake sale or even get a purple rinse, it’s all about showing your commitment to the cause whilst having some fun at the same time.

Stroke is Scotland’s third biggest killer and a leading cause of disability in the UK.

We have to act now to support those living with the devastating effects of stroke. Stroke devastates lives. I too have been affected by stroke

Dear Editor

Charity Meningitis Now wants to get people talking about viral meningitis during this year’s awareness week, raising understanding of this disease, which affects about 6000 people across the United Kingdom every year, its symptoms and its aftereffects.

We’re keen to banish misconceptions about viral meningitis – that it’s always ‘mild’ and sufferers make a quick recovery and that it only affects babies and young children.

Although viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening it can still be lifechanging.

It is a serious illness, which can leave some sufferers with a range of after-effects, including headaches, exhaustion, memory loss, depression, anxiety, balance problems and hearing difficulties.

There’s more information about viral meningitis and the week on our website – www.meningitisnow. org – and our Facebook page – www. facebook.com/meningitisnow.

Andy Hopkinson Meningitis Now Dear Editor

Who is your heart hero? A healthcare worker who’s making a difference to your family? A young person who’s inspiring others, or maybe a heart patient who’s overcoming great personal challenges?

British Heart Foundation Scotland needs your nominations, of the people who inspire you, for our 2018 Heart Hero Awards.

Our awards recognise the different ways people fight heart disease and there are three categories open to public nominations: Healthcare Hero, Young Heart Hero and the Inspiration Award.

If you know someone who’s making a difference, please put their name forward so that their contribution can be recognised and honoured. The winners will be announced at the BHF’S gala awards dinner in London on 5 October.

Visit www.bhf.org.uk/heartheroes for more information and to nominate. Entries close at 4pm on Friday, May 11.

James Cant, Director British Heart Foundation Scotland