The Hearts of Poole Appeal is a local appeal being run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). It was launched in December 08, and is raising money for a portable echocardiograph (echo) machine for the Poole Hospital. An echo uses ultrasound technology (like an ultrasound scan done to see a baby in its mother's womb) and produces a clear picture of the patient's heart. This allows the doctor to examine the chambers, valves and even the blood flowing through the heart to diagnose and monitor heart disease. The portable echo is a laptop size piece of equipment and can therefore be taken to patient's bedsides, or to A&E where it is needed, without having to move the patient. This new machine will mean that patients in and around Poole with, or at risk of, heart disease can be diagnosed and monitored quicker and more successfully.

This appeal is just a small illustration of the work that BHF do in and around Dorset. As the nation's heart charity we save lives every day by investing in pioneering research, supporting and caring for heart patients (including training and funding specialist nurses and equipment such as defibrillators, not just into hospitals but also into the community) and providing vital information to help people reduce their own risk of dying from a heart-related disease.

There are many ways to support the Hearts of Poole Appeal and the BHF.

We are always looking for volunteers who can spare just a small amount of their time to help - whether this be helping with a collection outside a supermarket for an hr, helping to organise an event or promoting the BHF and the importance of keeping your heart healthy to children and adults. There is a huge range of opportunities to suit everyone depending on their likes, skills and time.

Businesses and individuals can support the Hearts of Poole Appeal by putting on a event, or series of events to raise money and awareness of it. The event can be anything from a wear red day to a quiz night or family fun day.

Or very simply, a donation can be made to the Hearts of Poole Appeal.

I am here to support anyone who would like to volunteer, or put on an event by providing advice, help with publicity and materials, and also to answer any questions.

So please do give me a call if you would like more information or would like to support the Hearts of Poole Appeal, or the BHF.