Rock Up In Red!

Working in partnership with BHF Northern Ireland, Council will roll outa host of exciting events throughout the year 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.

Local people can kick-start the month by getting involved with ‘Rock Up In Red’ day this Friday with support from well known Radio Ulster

presenter, Alan Simpson. Taking part is easy; simply get together with colleagues, friends or family and wear something ‘red’. You can decide to wear a red tie, paint your nails red, or if you’re really committed, cover yourself in red. Anything goes and all funds go directly to BHF Northern Ireland. To get the party started, fund raiser David Dickie will be in Coleraine town centre in a bath of beans! He will be supported by a team of volunteers who will be collecting donations and hoping to see everyone wearing red.

Big Alan will be supporting the Heart Town campaign by taking part in a ‘Bann Challenge’ which will see him row all the way from Toome, along

the artery of the River Bann into Coleraine before crossing the finish line at the Bann Rowing Club.

This tough challenge will be extremely physically demanding as it covers a total distance of almost 50 kilometres in cold, bleak winter conditions!

Alan told The Times: “Everyone knows that Coleraine and the North Coast are very close to my heart, which is still pumping thanks to Dr Jack and

all the brilliant staff at the Causeway Hospital.

“Anything that lifts the profile of the ‘Heart of the North’ is a worthy effort; this initiative also raises public awareness of the benefits of health and fitness.

“My own river charity adventure should hopefully also point people in the direction of Heart Town Coleraine.”

The Mayor of Coleraine, councillor Sam Cole said; “Coleraine will be playing its part as we plan to turn heads, warm hearts and help save lives by wearing something red on ‘Rock Up In Red’ day.

“It’s a really easy and a fun way to help. I encourage everyone to get involved to help your Heart Town fight one of the country’s biggest killers and I thank Alan Simpson for backing our Heart Town promotions.”

Gary Wilson, Fundraising Volunteer Manager for BHF Northern Ireland said, “Our annual campaign helps raise awareness and vital funds.

“Having Alan Simpson on board will encourage others to come forward and Love their Hearts. By getting involved you will be helping your family,

your friends and your community to fight heart disease.

“Everyone can get involved with the campaign so please encourage your friends or colleagues to take part and help BHF Northern Ireland fight

our single biggest killer.”

Community groups are encouraged to come forward with their ideas for the programme. For more information about Heart Month and BHF Northern

Ireland’s Rock Up In Red campaign or to order your FREE fundraising kit please visit bhf.org.uk/red or email your name and address to

[email protected] or call us on 0300 330 0645. If you would like to discuss fundraising ideas please contact Gary

Wilson on 028 6863 3113 or by email on [email protected]