Wirral Heart Beat charity benefits from Essar Stanlow safety milestone

A significant safety achievement at Essar Stanlow has resulted in a £3,000 donation to local charity Wirral Heart Beat. The refinery recently achieved 7 million hours without a Lost Time Injury, and this was recognised by Essar’s Let’s Give programme, which links safety milestones and charitable giving.

Wirral Heart Beat works alongside Wirral Heart Support Centre based at St Catherine's Health Centre Birkenhead, to provide ongoing support following cardiac hospital treatment and rehabilitation, at the 'outreach gyms'. These gyms, established by Wirral Heart Beat with the assistance and cooperation of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, aim to encourage and support people upon their discharge from cardiac rehabilitation into community based, life long, health enhancing exercise.

Paul Nelson, Technician Operator at Essar explained why he nominated the charity: “I was put in contact with Wirral Heart Beat following a heart operation sixteen years ago. At a time when I was feeling vulnerable and worried, the support and facilities offered at the Heswall facility were a real practical support for my rehabilitation and improving health.”

Ian Carson is the Chairman of Wirral Heart Beat. He commented: “Our charity was first registered in 1991 by a group of local people who had experienced heart attacks or had heart related problems. We depend entirely on volunteers to run the centres, which are all based at fire stations across the Wirral.

“The relationship with Merseyside Fire and Rescue service is unique to Wirral Heart Beat, and it really strengthens our links with the local communities. The gyms are used by both firefighters and members of Wirral Heart Beat, providing a friendly and supportive environment to continue exercising in. We are extremely grateful to Essar for their donation. It will help us to keep our centres maintained, as well as investing in new equipment for our members to use.”