A Speyside woman has issued a challenge for people in Moray to turn their own determination into vital funding for a national heart charity by ‘Beating the Ben’.
Pery Zakeri is asking people to don their walking boots for what he hopes will be a mass climb of Ben Rinnes, the region’s much-loved Corbett – with proceeds from their efforts going to the British Heart Foundation.
Speaking from her Aberlour home, Pery said that he hoped people from throughout Speyside, Moray and beyond will join her once again after a similar effort last year proved to be a resounding success.
Pery added: “Last year 54 walkers of all ages and abilities joined me in climbing Ben Rinnes for the British Heart Foundation.
“The event was a great success and this year, I hope that together we can raise even more funds for the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.”
Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer and for over 50 years the British Heart Foundation has pioneered research that has transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions.
This work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need help.
Pery said: “I am asking people to join the fight for every heartbeat in the UK – every pound raised, every minute of your time and donation to British Heart Foundation shops will help make a difference to people’s lives.”
The British Heart Foundation’s fundraising director, Louise Parks, added: “We’d like to encourage as many people as possible to support Beat the Ben, which promises to be great fun for everyone involved.
“By engaging in events like this you are helping our life-saving and life-changing work to continue. We’re fighting for every heartbeat but we can’t do it without you.”
For more information on ‘Beating the Ben’, which takes place on Saturday, August 23 at 11am, Pery can be contacted on 07944 681 143 or by email to beattheben@outlook.com.
Pery is also taking part in the Loch Ness Bike Ride on Saturday, August 30 and between both events he hopes to raise over £2000 for the Mending Broken Hearts Appeal. People can sponsor his efforts at www.justgiving.com/beating-it-for-the-BHF.