Marine / Fishermen support new funding drive to combat heart disease
FISHERMEN in Shetland are supporting a new initiative to raise funds for the battle against heart disease.
Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) and the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association (SWFPA) are founding members of the Heart of Scotland appeal run by Heart Research UK.
The charity’s chief executive, Barbara Harpham, visited Scalloway Fish Market on Thursday to thank skippers for their contributions.
SFA members have been invited to donate the value of a box of fish or the equivalent amount, and so far 14 boats have pledged to do so.
Harpham said she was delighted that so many fishermen were generously supporting the campaign.
“Most people in the islands, as in the rest of Scotland, will have been touched by heart disease, the nation’s biggest killer,” she said.
The appeal to fishermen for contributions lasts until 31July and SFA policy officer Sheila Keith said she was confident most boats would support the campaign.
“We’ve had a great response so far, and we fully expect more skippers to come forward. Our members, like the rest of society, are all too aware of the impact of heart disease and are keen to help combat it,” she said.
“We are very pleased to have been able to welcome Miss Harpham to Shetland to show her some of the fantastic healthy seafood landed here every day.”
The Heart of Scotland is a fundraising appeal to raise and spend money in Scotland on vital medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.
It has already gained celebrity support from names such as Amy McDonald, David Moyes, Val McDermid, and Mark Bonnar, and cross-party political support.
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