This week's letters page

I work at The University of Glasgow as a BHF Professor and wanted to tell your readers about my current research project, funded by the BHF.

My team and I are studying dangerous molecules, which damage the inner lining and wall of blood vessels, increasing people’s risk of a heart attack or stroke.

We’re working to develop new treatments that could protect vessels from damage and reduce people’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

My project is just one of over 1,000 research projects that the BHF currently funds at universities across the UK, investigating every aspect of heart and circulatory disease – from causes and better drugs to improving surgical techniques.

Each of these projects are only made possible by the BHF’s generous supporters and each unwanted item donated this spring brings us one step closer to the next big breakthrough in heart research.

I cannot thank the people of Scotland enough for helping to support such an important and worthy cause.

There are currently 670,000 people living with cardiovascular disease across Scotland and I’m sure every reader will have been touched by heart disease in some way or another whether it be personally, through a family member or close friend.

If you are yet to have your clear out or would like to support your local BHF shop at other times of the year, they are always in need of items to fill their rails and shelves so please do keep them in mind for you unwanted items.

To find your local shop, order free donation bags or find out more about the free home collection service, please visit bhf.org.uk/bagit

Professor Rhian Touyz, BHF funded researcher.

THIS month we mark Dementia Awareness Week.

Did your readers know that an estimated 225,000 people will develop dementia this year alone – that’s one every three minutes – and, with people in the UK living longer than ever before, the threat of developing age related conditions such as dementia becomes increasingly real.

As I’m sure many of you will agree being diagnosed with a life-changing condition like dementia can often seem like the most overwhelming thing in the world.

That’s why I want to reassure your readers that they don’t have to deal with things alone, we’re here to help.

I work for Revitalise – a wonderful national charity that provides respite holidays for disabled people and carers - including specialised weeks for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia at our three accessible UK centres.

Every aspect of our Alzheimer’s breaks are designed with our guests in mind, enabling them to spend precious time with one another away from the worries of everyday life and giving them the time to rediscover a loving connection as husband and wife, father and daughter, mother and son once more.

For more information about Revitalise, our specialist Alzheimer’s Weeks, or to request a brochure please visit: www.revitalise.org.uk, or call us for a chat on 0303 303 0145.

Stephanie Stone, Revitalise.

AS a LibDem I am often asked what our stance is on Brexit. Most people are aware of our clear and understandable policies on Health, Education and Pensions but what about

Brexit?

We are a pro European party but accept that a majority of British people voted to leave the EU.

I try to explain our Brexit policy is like buying a house

that you have indicated an interest in.

Not until you have examined all aspects of the sale-

legal, size, position, suitability, cost and how

it will impact your family would you proceed.

You don’t move forward with buying the house until you are fully satisfied that it really is for you.

The Lib Dem stance on Brexit is similar.

Until the details of the “deal” are known then

we shouldn’t proceed blindfolded.

We need to understand all the implications of the

deal and how it will or not benefit the country.

Only then, we the people should decide.

We, as a party, are not calling for a re-

run of the remain or leave EU referendum.

We simply think it is prudent that the people of this country have the chance to vote on whether the Brexit deal created for us is satisfactory.

Rebecca Plenderleith, Liberal Democrat Candidate

West Dunbartonshire.

MANY of your readers will know one of the 250,000 men, women and children in the UK with the chronic, neurological condition, myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.).

Often referred to as an invisible illness, M.E. affects the body’s ability to recover normally after expending even small amounts of energy.

People with M.E. tell us that lack of understanding about the impact of M.E. is one of the most difficult things about living with it.

You can change this. Our #MEmatters campaign can support you to contact your local surgery, school or parliamentary candidate, asking them to take simple steps to better understand M.E.

Visit www.actionforme.org.uk/take-the-pledge or call us on 0117 927 9551. You can also access information and support about living with M.E. if you or your family are affected.

Sonya Chowdhury, chief executive, Action for M.E.

IN February Theresa May and Ruth Davidson urged Scottish voters to vote Conservative in the council elections and send a message to Nicola Sturgeon, saying ‘No to a second independence referendum’.

The SNP however still won the council elections, with more votes and more seats. It finished as comfortably the largest party, boasting 431 councillors, despite the Conservatives making gains to finish on 276 and Labour on 262 councillors.

The SNP is indeed the largest party in Scotland’s four main cities, replacing Labour as the largest party in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and maintaining its position as the largest party in Dundee.

The SNP is also now the largest party in 16 council area - up from 10 in 2012 - and joint largest in a further three councils.

Despite the Tory strategy of making the council election a referendum on a referendum, while they have done extremely well they did not win and are indeed well-behind behind the SNP.

The General Election is being fought by the Tories using this same strategy. However, it is anticipated the SNP will still finish as the largest party in Scotland, both in terms of votes and will have more than half the MPs. If this transpires to be the case one hopes Ms May will do the honourable thing and meet with Ms Sturgeon as soon after 8th June as possible and make arrangements for the holding of the referendum.

Alex Orr, Edinburgh.

I'M writing to you and your readers to let you know about a brand new fundraising campaign that Independent Age, the older people’s charity, is launching in May 2017.

The 100in10 challenge invites participants to cover a total of 100km in 10 weeks in any way they choose. All donations will go towards the charity’s work towards helping older people stay independent for as long as possible.

Participants can take part in the challenge either as an individual or a team, and will help raise funds to support older people to live more independently. Those who take part can walk, run, swim, cycle or be as creative as they like to reach the ‘100’ target in 10 weeks. For those who are less athletically inclined, they could even try baking 100 cookies in 10 weeks instead!

Independent Age is an older people’s charity that provides regular friendly contact, a strong campaigning voice and free, impartial advice on the issues that matter to older people: care and support, money and benefits, health and mobility.

We hope that people get behind our brand new 100in10 fundraising challenge and enjoy taking part. Every penny raised from this campaign will go towards our advice and friendship services and will help us speak up for those who are lonely, vulnerable or in need of help, so participants really will be making a big difference to the lives of older people.

Everyone in Scotland can sign up for the 100in10 challenge now at www.independentage.org/100in10.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age.

A MONTH from today, the votes will have been counted and the results declared in this ‘Brexit Election.'

Every pro-European candidate elected to Parliament is a much needed voice against a hard and destructive Brexit.

There is still time to shape the future of Britain by signing up to volunteer for a campaign near you.

Thank you to the thousands of you who have already campaigned against a hard and destructive Brexit during this General Election. But there’s lots more to do. Open Britain will be holding a National Day of Action on Saturday 20th May, where our supporters will take to the streets with the message that people have a choice at this election and don’t have to write the Government a blank cheque. We will be in touch early next week with more details.

You can also support the campaign by visiting our new online shop, where you can be the first to get your hands on our exclusive range of new merchandise. Show your support for a Britain that is open and inclusive by wearing a t-shirt around town; displaying a poster in your window; or taking one of our tote bags with you when you pop to the shops.

Thank you for your continued support.

James McGrory, co-executive director, Open Britain