'Ramp up the Red'

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”  (Charles Dickens)

This year the British Heart Foundation continues, to raise awareness and vital funding for life saving research and support for people with heart problems.  We ‘ramp up the red’ and ‘fight for every heartbeat’ on the 7^th February, read more here.

 

 Following a stroke, four years ago, I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.  I have an aneurysm and a hole in my heart; this was quite a revelation at the time.  I was informed that expert thinking is that this particular defect provides a natural gateway for the occurrence of stroke.  I was 42 years old, I felt threatened, fragile and vulnerable for myself and my family.  However, the literature and advice I received from the BHF was both informative and more importantly reassuring throughout my recovery. 

  I am ashamed to say that, up until now, I have never taken the opportunity to raise money for this very worthy cause.  Something I intend to rectify this year.  By way of showing my appreciation and thanks for the care and information I received, regarding my particular problem, I would like to offer some of the fish I make for sale, the proceeds of which will all be donated to BHF.  It seems a fitting representation as zebra-fish are making their own contribution in the quest to mend broken hearts.   Researchers have long been studying their powers of cardiac regeneration and how this may translate to human heart damage.

For an alternative Valentine’s Day gift as well as helping a good cause, each fish will be presented in its own gift box and will be ready for sale by Friday 7^th February.  My dilemma at the moment is between Etsy and Ebay, the agony of choice.  For anyone who is interested I intend to make updates on the Raganory facebook page of my progress throughout the week, there is a link button on the right-hand side.  I will also confirm the final details here, on my blog later in the week.