Designer Christopher Kane backs charity campaign ‘close to my heart’

Fashion designer Christopher Kane has told how he helped a cause close to his heart – by designing badges and T-shirts for a campaign aimed at tackling cardiovascular disease.

The award-winning Scot produced the fundraising items for the newly launched Heart of Scotland appeal.

It has been backed by other celebrities including impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner, singer Amy MacDonald, writers Val McDermid and Christopher Brookmyre, football manager David Moyes and Shetland and Line Of Duty actor Mark Bonnar.

Leading politicians have also given their support, with both First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Secretary David Mundell backing the Heart Research UK initiative.

The Heart of Scotland appeal has been set up to raise money for vital research to be carried out in Scotland in a bid to reduce the country’s heart disease death toll.

An average of 41 people die every day in Scotland as a result of cardiovascular disease, with Scots almost twice as likely to die from the condition compared to those living in the south of England.

Kane said: “The Heart of Scotland appeal is a cause that is literally so close to my heart, anything that can raise awareness and potentially save lives is always worthwhile.

“Growing up in Scotland in a working class environment, heart disease was always prevalent. So many of my parents’ family and friends passed at an early age from ‘heart attacks’ and no-one blinked an eye.

“So it’s good to be part of (albeit in a small way) educating and reinforcing preventive measures, this saves so much heartache.”

Bremner said: “Regrettably, heart disease is still up there with Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Bridges as a widely-recognised Scottish institution, killing more of our fellow Scots than any other disease.”

Ms Sturgeon said: “Heart disease affects far too many people across Scotland and we need to do all we can to help combat the disease. This is why I welcome Heart of Scotland and commend everyone involved in its work.

“By business, government and civic society coming together and combining our efforts, we can make a real difference to lives across Scotland, and I am sure the Heart of Scotland appeal will be a great success.”

Barbara Harpham, Heart Research UK chief executive, said: “Most people in Scotland will have been touched by heart disease, the nation’s single biggest killer. The Heart of Scotland appeal is an opportunity for Scots to take on heart disease together.

“We want this campaign to reach every corner of the country, Highlands and islands, lowlands, coast and country, and raise money to fund pioneering medical research in Scotland’s hospitals and universities.”