Borough prepares to ‘Ramp Up The Red’

Blackburn with Darwen is getting set to ‘Ramp Up The Red’ later this week.

The Council and other local groups from the borough are getting involved in the British Heart Foundation’s national fundraising day, taking place this Friday February 7, to raise awareness of all heart conditions with a host of events planned.

People are encouraged to wear red clothes or make-up and organise a party with friends, families and colleagues to raise funds that will go directly towards research, support and care for those suffering with heart disease.

Proceedings will start locally this Thursday (February 6) when Ivy Street Community Centre will host a colouring competition and face painting for children. The centre will be open from 9.30-11am.

Then on Friday, Blackburn Market will be holding a tombola from 10-3pm with lots of prizes and stall holders will be wearing red.

Mill Hill Community Centre will host a coffee morning from 9.30-11.30am and a tea dance will take place in the afternoon at 1.45pm. Everyone is welcome.

Heart health information stands will be put in place at the Your Support Your Choice centre on Town Hall Street in Blackburn and at Bank Top Community Centre. Members of the public can call in and make a donation.

Witton Park High School pupils and staff will be wearing red and donating to the cause and Blakey’s in Blackburn Town Centre will have two nurses on hand from 10-3pm to check people’s blood pressure, height and weight. They’ll also be giving advice around heart health and cancer. Call in for a coffee and a chat.

Elsewhere Debenhams are putting a hearty soup on for lunch and BHF volunteers are helping pack bags. Call in and support with donations and take advantage of a free personal shopping service from 10-4pm.

Arlene’s Hairdressers, on Blackburn Road, Redlam, are also dressing up and selling raffle tickets for a luxury food hamper. Call in and purchase a ticket all this week.

On Saturday (February 8) Darwen Leisure Centre and Waves Water Fun Centre will be hosting the annual staff challenge to cycle 250 miles in a day. Members of the public are invited to call in and offer their support. Even better if you are a gym member get on the bike and help out! There will be a prize for the winning team as well as a raffle with lots of prizes up for grabs including a skate board, hair and beauty vouchers and gym memberships.

Darwen Leisure Centre will also be offering free cardiovascular disease checks with a nurse. To book a check-up call (01254) 694503 in advance.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Ramp up the Red is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to think about how many lives are affected by heart disease. By supporting any of these events, you will be helping to raise much-needed funds in order to fight heart disease. I’m delighted there’s so much going on locally and would encourage as many local people as possible to turn out and show your support.”

Barbara Dunn, Fundraising Volunteer Manager, from the British Heart Foundation said: “The BHF is the biggest single funder of life-saving heart research in the UK. By supporting ramp up the red you’ll be helping us to raise funds which are urgently needed in the fight against heart disease.

“The BHF can only continue its life-saving work with donations of your time and money, thank you to everyone in Blackburn with Darwen who is organising and taking part in these fantastic events.”