Monday 10 February 2014

Stephen Metcalfe MP joins fight against heart disease at Parliament pop-up shop


Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently showed his support for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) when they revealed their first ever pop up shop in the Palace of Westminster.

Mr Metcalfe met shop staff and volunteers to hear how BHF shops raise vital funds for life-saving research and added his voice to the call for people to ‘Ramp up the Red’ this February.

The BHF are urging the public to Ramp up the Red by wearing something red, hosting a red-themed party, or baking some red-coloured treats. After his trip to the pop-up shop, the local MP has been inspired to join in too.

Mr Metcalfe said: “I am delighted to help raise awareness of heart disease by taking part in Ramp up the Red. I hope the public join me and help to beat a devastating disease which can affect anyone, from babies to grandparents.”

“By popping up in Parliament, the BHF has reminded us of the vital role their shops play in raising funds for life-saving research. I would thank all those involved for making this happen.”

Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer, responsible for almost 74,000 deaths in the UK each year, an average of 200 people each day. There are currently 2.3 million people in the UK living with coronary heart disease. 

Mike Taylor, Retail Director at the BHF, said “We wanted to show MPs just how important our shops are – without our shop staff, including 23,000 volunteers across the UK, we simply couldn’t continue our life-saving work.

“It is fantastic to see Stephen Metcalfe MP showing his support and ramping up the red. All the money raised on 7 February will help us truly fight for every heartbeat.” 

For more information about Ramp up the Red or to donate please visit  bhf.org.uk/red