With February being the month for lovers, students from Pembrokeshire College are hosting a 'Love Day' on February 19, to encourage romance to blossom among its students, and at the same time making a difference to the lives of many patients and their families who suffer from heart disease. Karen Neville from Pembrokeshire College said: "Students at the college decided to get involved to raise funds for this year's British Heart Foundation's Valentine Appeal which aims to raise £1m to fund BHF Heart Nurses and the charity's Heart Help Line to care for, and support, more heart patients and their families. "Love Day at Pembrokeshire College will give A Level students a chance to do a bit of smooching for romance in a speed dating event during their lunch hour; another group will take part in a sponsored 50km rowing event, and art students will get creative in drawing cartoons and caricatures with heart themes - all to raise money for the appeal. We are asking people to support the students by sponsoring the rowers, or donating generally to the appeal. We will keep our donation tins open throughout February!" she added. In Wales there are 227,000 men and women living with heart disease and for some it can be frightening and debilitating. Last year BHF Heart Nurses in Wales were able to help just a small fraction of these people. Additionally, the BHF's Heart Help Line provided support and information to 13,000 callers. But the charity says that more money is urgently needed to help reach so many more people. Linda Ceri Jones, fund-raising and volunteer manager of the BHF locally, said: "We are delighted that Pembrokeshire College has decided to get involved in our Valentine's appeal and to show that there are so many ways to make a real difference - and possibly find love at the same time! Our appeal runs throughout February, so we are asking people to get involved in their own homes or offices to help." In Wales last year, the BHF invested in 25 specialist heart nurses, one of whom works for the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust. But this figure equates for only just one nurse for every 9,000 people in Wales and that is why the charity is appealing for donations to fund many more nurses locally. Case Study: Paula Emery is a BHF cardiac liaison nurse who works throughout Pembrokeshire. Her work involves providing a seamless pathway of care for patients following a heart attack or cardiac surgery. In addition to looking after patients, Paula also co-ordinates the cardiac rehabilitation services throughout the county. She has been in this role for 12 years, being one of the 15 n BHF pilot nurses. One of her patients can testify to her work. Mother of three Jane Mason, 37, from Narberth, suffered a heart attack in April 2002 when her youngest, Jamie, was just 10 months old. "The support I receive from our BHF nurse has been superb," she said. "She has given me my confidence back after suffering a heart attack when only 31 years old. She has always been there at the end of the phone for advice and support. As a professional, she is a caring and compassionate girl and extremely knowledgeable. Life would be very much more difficult without her." Linda Ceri Jones added: "As a charity, we are totally reliant on your generosity to support our care work and we are asking people to get together during February to arrange an event that will generate fun, funding and, who knows, even romance! We can help with promotional materials, ideas and advice and help with publicity if you need it. As well as having fun and romance this Valentine's, you could be making a real difference to the lives of many patients and their families. Remember, every pound you raise will help us achieve our £1 million goal!" To find out more about the Valentine Appeal visit bhf.org.uk/valentine
