At a specially-arranged meeting in Macclesfield with the Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Simon Gillespie, local MP, David Rutley, expressed his continued support for the charity's vital work in and around local communities.
David and Mr Gillespie spoke particularly about the charity's important work to promote awareness of prevention measures, to help reduce the likelihood of people developing or experiencing cardiac problems in the future, including the importance of taking part in regular physical activity. Mr Gillespie explained that the BHF has developed a series of resources to help people, whether they are at risk of developing heart or circulatory diseases, newly diagnosed, or have been managing their condition for a while, to help them live healthier lives. The information is free online at: www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/publications/preventing-heart-disease
The meeting followed David's discussion earlier this year with the charity's Fundraising Manager for Cheshire, Leah Goodhind, at which he reviewed these issues and also the BHF's campaigning work to see life-saving cardio-pulmonary resuscitation skills taught on a mandatory basis on the National Curriculum.
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “One in four people still die from heart and circulatory diseases in the UK and it’s estimated that 12,000 people in the Macclesfield area are living with these devastating conditions. Preventing these diseases from ever taking hold is therefore essential to save more lives and give families the gift of more time with their loved ones. That’s why we urgently need to fund research into these conditions and improve early detection of risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Mr Rutley’s commitment to the prevention of these heartbreaking conditions in his constituency is to be commended and we look forward to working with him in the future.”
Speaking after his meeting, David said, "As the British Heart Foundation is demonstrating, focussing on prevention is vital to helping reduce the likelihood of people developing cardiac problems and existing conditions from worsening. It was good to meet with Mr Gillespie to review the charity's ongoing work in this important area, and I look forward to keeping in touch with its activities into the future."