The MP for Edinburgh South Ian Murray supported the British Heart Foundation (BHF) on today when the BHF revealed their first ever pop-up shop in the Palace of Westminster.

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Ian met shop staff and volunteers to hear how BHF shops raise vital funds for life-saving research. During the visit, Ian•added his voice to the call for people to Ramp up the Red this February.

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On the•7 February,•the BHF are urging the public to Ramp up the Red by wearing something red, hosting a red-themed party, or baking some red-coloured treats. After his trip to the pop-up shop, Ian has been inspired to join in too.

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Ian Murray said: “I am delighted to help raise awareness of heart disease by taking part in Ramp up the Red. I hope the public join me on the 7th•February and help to beat a devastating disease which can affect anyone, from babies to grandparents.”

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“By popping up in Parliament, the BHF has reminded us of the vital role their shops play in raising funds for life-saving research.• The shops and volunteers do a terrific job up and down the country in local communities and on high streets.”

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Coronary heart disease is the•UK’s single biggest killer, responsible for almost•74,000 deaths•in the UK each year, an average of 200 people each day. There are currently•2.3 million people•in the UK living with coronary heart disease.

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Mike Taylor, Retail Director at the BHF, said “We wanted to show MPs just how important our shops are -; without our shop staff, including 23,000 volunteers across the UK, we simply couldn’t continue our life-saving work.

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“It is fantastic to see Ian Murray MP•showing his support and ramping up the red. All the money raised on 7 February will help us truly fight for every heartbeat.”

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For more information about Ramp up the Red or to donate please visit••bhf.org.uk/red