BUSINESSES across Highworth will be ‘Rocking Up In Red’ to beat the country’s single biggest killer today.

The event, which raises vital funds for the British Heart Foundation in National Heart Month, will see members of the public organising get-togethers and rallying co-workers, friends and family to pay £2 and join the fight against heart disease.

Staff at RED Virtual Office in the High Street is supporting the cause by organising other businesses in Highworth to join in the good work.

Karen Thurley, director of business development at RED, said: “How could we not be involved? We rock up in red every day.

“My father-in-law had a heart attack a few years ago and thankfully recovered. If it hadn’t been for the research that the charity funds, then he may not have.

“Together with all Highworth businesses we hope to raise a substantial amount for the nation’s heart charity in National Heart Month, helping them to continue their vital, life-saving work.

“It’s been incredibly easy to co-ordinate and promises to be fun for all involved.”

Swimming club Swindon Dolphin will also be getting involved in the day.

The event has extra significance for masters swimmer Jim Burnett, who suffered a heart attack last year during a training session but survived after receiving care from the Milton Road staff and the club’s first aid trained coaches, as well as Steve Brain, who is a parent of one of the children at the club and is a paramedic.

As well as administering CPR, the Health Hydro’s automated external defibrillator was used and Jim was taken to Frenchay in Bristol for specialist treatment.

After several weeks in intensive care, he is on the way to recovery and has been back to the pool, although not to swim. Jim and Steve will meet at the pool today and Swindon Dolphin is keen to promote Rock Up In Red and the need for AED units at leisure centres.

There are more than 2.7 million people in the UK suffering with heart disease.

The condition kills one in six men and one in nine women and is responsible for almost 80,000 deaths in the UK each year, an average of 220 people each day.

British Heart Foundation fund-raising director Louise Parkes said: “This is a great opportunity for everyone to think about their own hearts and the hearts of those around them. We offer our heartfelt thanks to RED and other Highworth Businesses for so generously dedicating their time and energy to help us continue our fight for every heartbeat.”

For more information and details about how to donate, visit www.swindondolphin.co.uk or www.rockupinred.org.uk