Midlothian
Healthy Living Partnership Project
British Heart Foundation - Penicuik & District
Branch
Penicuik
First Responders
PENICUIK & DISTRICT BRANCH
The Penicuik Branch of the British Heart Foundation
was formed in June 1988 when a few of us got together solely to raise funds
to purchase much needed Defibrillators for the local ambulances which at that
time were located in Penicuik.
We sent off letters to Companies, Clubs, Shops
and other establishments together with members of the public who we thought
would be interested in this project at this time. The overall outcome being
that from the monies donated we were able to furnish the Ambulances with the
Defibrillators and also help out the Dalkeith Ambulance Service with the excess
money accrued.
Since 1988 we as a Branch have been solely employed
in raising much needed funds for
medical research into all forms of heart and cardiovascular
disease and under this umbrella provides equipment for use in hospitals and
in the community.
The BHF also produces many publications relating
to heart disease and all cardiovascular
problems for distribution to interested parties.
In our 40th Anniversary Year 2001/2002 we in the
local Branch put in an extra effort into our fund raising activities and raised
a total of £10,600. This sum was beyond our expectations and must say
we were more than surprised when we received this information from our Regional
Office in Edinburgh. We certainly went to town and organised extra events for
that year but naturally were surprised to hear of our result.
As you no doubt know we try to keep the BHF in
the public's eye here in Penicuik by inserting an article each month in the
Town Crier which goes into every household in the Penicuik area. As the only
Branch in the Lothian Area we feel we must publicise our activities and forthcoming
events through this medium.
With the limited amount of volunteers on our Committee
we feel that we do quite well
considering. It goes without saying that we could
expand our fund raising if we had more
helpers but like every other voluntary
organisations
we find it difficult to encourage people to join us. If at all interested do
get in touch.
For your information we organise a varied fund-raising
programme throughout the year e.g. In-Store collections within Supermarkets,
Charity Darts Throw, in conjunction with Midlothian Ladies Darts League, Quiz
Sheets, Stall at the Annual Street Fayre, periodically a Line Dance Marathon,
a bowling competition in conjunction with West Unton Bowling Club, etc., etc.
As you see we fund-raise with what resources we
can muster so please do get in touch with our Branch Secretary if you are at
all interested in our work. You must admit that this is a very worthwhile Charity
to be involved with especially when you take the following statistics shown
below into consideration:
One in four men, and one in six women in the U.K.
die from heart disease.
In about 30% of heart attacks the patient dies before reaching hospital.
EVERY TWO MINUTES SOMEONE IN THE U.K. HAS A HEART ATTACK.
Our Branch Secretary is Bums Scott, 49 Nevis Gardens,
Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 8JZ.
(Tel. 01968673729)
If by any chance anyone reading this resides out
with the Penicuik area and would consider starting off a Branch in their area
do get in touch, and we in turn will pass on any information to our Area Organiser.
Incidentally our Regional Office address is: British
Heart Foundation, 4 Shore Place, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6UU. Tel. 0131 555 5891.
