Bill bowls for heart

Monday 7 February

79-year-old Bill Ramsay has set out on an adventure not many at his age would undertake.

The Wellingtonian is on a mission to play 80 games of bowls in 80 days and at the same time fundraise for the Heart Foundation.

Bill began his tour of bowling clubs the length of the country on Friday (4 February) in Picton and will play at clubs in Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch and Ashburton this week (7-13 February) to coincide with the Heart Foundation’s Annual Appeal.

He decided to play the 80 games in 80 days as a way of celebrating his 80th birthday in September this year and to raise money for a charity close to his heart after having a triple-heart bypass in 1993.

“I’m very grateful for the treatment and support I received while in hospital, which has enabled me to carry on to where I am today. The Heart Foundation funds a lot of research for doctors and researchers in New Zealand, which helps them to understand and prevent heart disease and improve health care for New Zealanders,” says Bill.

“Eighty years sounds like the end of the line so I thought it was time to make a splash before it’s too late!” says Bill, who says he still feels great health-wise.

“Bill is an incredible person who is giving so much to help make a difference to the heart health of New Zealanders,” says Alistair Kirk, the Heart Foundation’s marketing development manager.

“We are very grateful to him for setting off on his latest adventure in support of the Heart Foundation; it’s these kinds of initiatives from individuals and communities that really make a difference in raising awareness and funds to help keep New Zealanders heart healthy.”

Donations can be to this year’s Annual Appeal at any Westpac branch, online at
www.heartfoundation.org.nz or by calling 0800 830 100. Volunteers will be out in force around the country on Friday 11 February, so please give generously to support the work of New Zealand’s heart health charity to stop New Zealanders dying prematurely of heart disease.

As a notforprofit, non-government organisation, the Heart Foundation is reliant on the generous support of everyday New Zealanders. Donations from this year’s Appeal will be used to support regional activities such as health promotion and work in schools.

Bill’s itinerary during Annual Appeal week:
Monday 7 February - Blenheim Bowling Club, 1pm
Tuesday 8 February – Riverside Bowling Club, Blenheim, 1pm
Wednesday 9 February - Takahanga Bowling Club, Kaikoura, 1pm
Thursday 10 February – Christchurch Bowling Club, Christchurch, 11am
Friday 11 February – Redcliffs Bowling Club, Christchurch, 12.30pm
Friday 11 February – Heathcote Bowling Club, Christchurch, 5.30pm
Saturday 12 February – Edgeware Bowling and Croquet Club, Christchurch, 1pm
Sunday 13 February – Ashburton Bowling Club, Ashburton, 1pm

ENDS

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