Paint ColeraineHeart Town Red!

Nominated by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Northern Ireland, Coleraine Borough Council will be working in partnership to offer something of interest to everyone with the intention of getting residents to love their hearts.

Information, advice and support will be provided as vital funds are raised for the ground breaking research.

This month Council is asking its residents to help fight against heart disease by supporting BHF Northern Ireland. There is a host of health and well being events planned for every Saturday in February.

This Saturday Bann Rowing Club will be asking volunteers to wear red and help in their rowing challenge from here in Coleraine to Coleraine in Canada. The event takes place in the Town Hall.

There will be a number of activities available for everyone to enjoy on the day including a tea dance with refreshments starting at 3pm.

The Causeway Speciality Market will be displaying a range of red crafts and foods, and all of the traders will be wearing BHF Northern Ireland T-shirts to show their support. Q Radio will also be amidst the action, broadcasting live from outside the Town Hall.

In addition to this a CPR demonstration will take place in the Diamond Centre by members of BHF Northern Ireland. There will be something for everyone so why not ‘rock up in red’ and show your support to Coleraine Heart Town’s ‘love your heart’ campaign!

The mayor of Coleraine, councillor Sam Cole said; “We encourage all members of the public to get involved in these free activities.

“Anything that contributes to our health and well-being can only be seen as a positive for our community. Over 40,000 people in the Northern Trust area live with cardiovascular disease.

“And over six people die every month from coronary heart disease in the Coleraine Borough Council area, which is too many. Being active and having a healthy heart helps fight against the heart disease that affects many of our loved ones each year.

“February is Heart Month so why not wear something red and show your support for our heart town. A full programme of what’s on is available on Council’s website under hearttown2013.”

Speaking on behalf of the charity, Fundraising Volunteer Manager, Gary Wilson said: “BHF Northern Ireland would like to say a huge hearty thanks to Coleraine Council as they have embraced what it truly is to be a Heart Town, putting local hearts first this February.

Community groups, schools and businesses are encouraged to come forward with their ideas to raise awareness with fund raising events for the programme. For more information about Heart Month and BHF Northern Ireland’s campaign or to order your free fundraising kit please visit www.bhf.org.uk/