Star-studded launch for charity’s bid to tackle heart disease

A star-studded charity appeal to tackle heart disease – the nation’s single biggest killer – will be launched today.

Heart Research UK are launching their ‘Heart of Scotland’ appeal at an event at the Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, featuring appearances from a host of high-profile Scottish supporters.

The Heart of Scotland is a fundraising appeal to raise and spend money in Scotland on vital medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

The appeal has already gained support from Amy Mcdonald, Val Mcdermid, Mark Bonnar and others. The appeal is launching with a range of four striking coloured badges and one-off T-shirts created by designer Christopher 0 Christopher Kane: ‘Cause is literally close to my heart’

Kane. They are on sale across Scotland, along with a raft of fundraising events across the country.

Mr Kane said: “The Heart of Scotland appeal is a cause that is literally so close to my heart. Anything that can raise awareness and potentially save lives is always worthwhile. Growing up in Scotland in a working class environment, heart disease was always prevalent. So many of my parent’s family and friends passed at an early age from ‘heart attacks’ and no one blinked an eye.

“Soit’sgoodtobepartof [albeit in a small way] educating and reinforcing preventive measures. This saves so much heartache.”

The appeal includes a dedicated week of fundraising and celebrations.

Money raised will be spent funding pioneering medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. The appeal has received cross-party support from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Heart disease affects far too many people across Scotland and we need to do all we can to help combat the disease. This is why I welcome Heart of Scotland and commend everyone involved in its work.

“By business, government