British Heart Foundation

James Jopling, head of the British Heart Foundation in Scotland, was the speaker at the Rotary Club of South Queensferry's virtual meeting on Thursday 30th April. Speaking from his bedroom and, as he later proved, in bare feet, James, who was awarded an honorary doctorate from Stirling University for his work in the charity field, gave a most interesting and relaxed presentation. The British Heart Foundation in Scotland provides research, information and support for people suffering from heart disease, stroke and vascular dementia. It is the largest independent funder of heart and circulatory disease research in Scotland. To date it is investing nearly £66 million in around 140 projects in Scottish universities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and St Andrews. Subjects being researched include strokes, stress-related heart attacks, angina and high blood pressure. However during the present coronavirus crisis, with the closure of its charity shops and the cancellation of fundraising events, British Heart Foundation in Scotland is losing up to £10 million a month.

As recently as 1961, patients with heart problems were given aspirin and told to rest. Now seven out of ten people who enter hospital with heart attacks survive. Prior to the crisis, British Heart Foundation in Scotland were working on a map of defibrillator locations in Scotland. James congratulated the club on funding one in Dalmeny. Death rates from heart disease in Scotland have fallen dramatically, but there is still a lot of work  to do to beat heart disease for ever. In the current crisis, British Heart Foundation in Scotland is operating a Coronavirus Support Hub online, offering people with heart or circulatory conditions the latest expert information and support. James's talk was followed by an interesting and lively question and answer session.

President Jim McCulloch thanked the speaker and also reminded the twenty-eight members who took part that Craigie's Educational and Environmental Project, which is supported by the club, had plants and hanging baskets for sale and available for delivery on its website. An addition, to conclude the meeting, was a raffle in aid of Rotary Foundation. A feature of the club's regular meetings, this was now presented in a virtual format.