Scotland is at the top of the league in Western Europe for cardiovascular disease. This means that one in three Scottish people will die from a heart-related illness. This frightening statistic prompted Professor Jill Belch, a member of the University medical faculty and a cardiovascular specialist to establish a charitable appeal, TICR Heart Appeal (The Institute for Cardiovascular Research) to build a centre of world-class excellence to tackle the cause and effects of this horrific disease. The centre will be built at Ninewells Hospital. Cardiovascular disease can take many forms - heart attacks, strokes and arterial disease - and its prevalence poses a serious threat to the future of Scotland.
The fundraising campaign aims to raise £3.5m and has already successful raised in excess of £1.6 million through significant donations from a range of Scottish trusts and the continuing support of dedicated volunteers who organise events across the Tayside region. One of these events, the TICR Trek, held in Dunkeld in 2002, and organised through the support of Kate Maclean and John McAllion, and raised £7,000. The event last year was highly successful not just in raising a significant amount of money, but also in providing a boost to the charity's profile.
Due to the success of last year's trek, the second annual TICR Trek will be held in Pitlochry on 30 and 31 August. Other trek features include a local knowledge quiz with an excellent prize and goodie bags for all those taking part in this nine-mile walk. There is a shorter 3-mile route for those preferring a gentler walk. Contact Heather Graham on 01382 344821 for sponsorship forms, and entry forms.
TICR are also launching an ambitious programme of activities to be billed around 'Healthy Heart Week' commencing on 13 September 2003, and running through until 20 September 2003.
The week will kick off with an action-packed 'Dundee Big City Challenge'. The Big City Challenge will be held in Dundee City centre on 13 September - the central hub will be located in City Square. Teams of five people each will compete in a series of competitive time trials to complete a range of tasks culminating in a boat-building competition at City Quay. Minimum sponsorship entry of £250 is required and there will be a range of exciting prizes on the day for the best teams. Contact David Cunningham for further details, d.r.cunningham@dundee.ac.uk
Dinner Party Marathon - TICR would like to bid to organise the largest number of dinner parties ever held in aid of a charitable cause. All you have to do is register your intention to hold a supper or dinner party at your home on Friday 19 September, ask your guests to give a donation to TICR and once again there will be an exciting prize for the party that raises most money. In addition, there will be competition for the healthiest recipe cooked at a party - more details will be announced next month. Contact David Cunningham.
The Samurai Ball will be held at the Apex Hotel, on Saturday 20 September. Apex Hotel have kindly agreed to be one of the main sponsors of this event and we are actively seeking other sponsors. This will be a fabulous evening, with a whole host of entertainments including a cocktail welcome, charity casino, a range of fabulous auction prizes and great and food and music. More details to follow soon...
If you would like to organise a fundraising event during Healthy Heart Week, help organise any of the events described above or become a TICR Volunteer please contact Heather Graham on 01382 344821. Help us beat Scotland's number 1 killer.