On Monday 3rd February, local MP Nadhim Zahawi supported the British Heart Foundation (BHF) at their first ever pop-up shop in the Palace of Westminster. The Stratford on Avon MP met shop staff and volunteers to hear how BHF shops raise vital funds for life-saving research. During the visit, Mr Zahawi added his voice to the call for people to ‘Ramp up the Red’ this February. On the 7th 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 their trip to the pop-up shop, Mr Zahawi has been inspired to join in too. Mr Zahawi said: “I am delighted to help raise awareness of heart disease by taking part in ‘Ramp up the Red’. By popping up in Parliament, the BHF has reminded us of the vital role their shops and volunteers play in raising funds for life-saving research and education in the community.” “This is a devastating condition which can affect people of all ages, and I hope the public will join me in supporting ‘Ramping up the Red’ on Friday.” 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. 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.” “It is fantastic to see Nadhim showing his support for ‘ramping up the red’. All the money raised on the 7th February will help us truly fight for every heartbeat.” For more information about ‘Ramp up the Red’ or to donate please visit bhf.org.uk/red.