Mayor fundraises for heart

Press release – 10 February 2011

Auckland mayor, Len Brown, has joined up with Heart Foundation’s Annual Appeal street collection team and will hit Queen Street tomorrow to raise funds for New Zealand’s heart health charity.

The Heart Foundation is a charity close to Len after he suffered a heart attack nearly three years ago. Since then Len has become a strong advocate for heart disease prevention.

"Heart disease can destroy lives and families. I am one of the lucky ones – with the help of my family, wonderful medical care and the support of the Heart Foundation I’m in excellent health and have a great new lease on life. I am happy to help the Heart Foundation help others," he says.

Len will be collecting for the Foundation’s Annual Appeal outside the Town Hall on Queen Street from 10:30-11am tomorrow (11 February).

Volunteers will be out in force around the country tomorrow, so please give generously to support the Heart Foundation to stop New Zealanders dying prematurely of heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke and blood vessel disease) is New Zealand’s biggest killer of men and women, responsible for 38 percent of all deaths, many of these preventable.

The rate of heart attacks in younger adults is also currently increasing and heart disease is the single biggest killer of men aged over 35 years old.

This year’s Annual Appeal campaign focuses on the impact premature and preventable heart disease has on New Zealand families and communities.

“To help keep our families and communities together longer, it’s more vital than ever that New Zealanders get behind our Annual Appeal,” says the Heart Foundation’s Medical Director, Norman Sharpe.

Donations to the Annual Appeal can be made at any Westpac branch, online at www.heartfoundation.org.nz or by calling 0800 830 100.

As a notforprofit, non-government organisation, the Heart Foundation is reliant on the generous support of everyday New Zealanders. Donations from this year’s Appeal will be used to support regional activities such as health promotion and work in schools.

ENDS

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