The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Community volunteer groups play vital role
A new community volunteer group has been established after it was revealed as many as 36,000 people in Dundee and Angus are suffering from heart disease.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has launched a new initiative to help combat heart disease, which kills 830 people in the areas every year.
The community volunteer groups will organise fundraising events and information days for schools and businesses, all in the hope of reducing the rate of the disease spreading.
Dundee man Ross Peters is waiting for a transplant after being diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, two-and-ahalf years ago.
Ross says he is getting a real buzz out of fundraising and wants to make as many people aware of the dangers of the disease as possible.
He said: “I’m involved promoting the cocktail party organised by Michael Johnston Hairdressing.
“He’s chosen BHF Scotland as his charity of the year and I’m looking forward to having other events throughout the year.
“The Scottish Rugby Union and local Tesco store have surprised me with their donations, as has the generosity of my friends, businesses, restaurants and professional sports people.
“It’s been amazing and I’d like to thank everyone who has donated.
“It’s a great feeling to know that the money we’re raising will go into lifesaving research into heart disease, some of which is taking place here in my home town of Dundee.”
Dundee and Angus fundraising manager Kathy McIlwaine said: “Too many lives are lost in Dundee and Angus each year, and we’re determined to do everything we can to protect more families from this devastation.”