An iconic sculpture symbolising the on-going work to build a brand new Cardiovascular Research Centre (CRC) in Leicester was officially unveiled to the public at Highcross on Thursday 25 August.

‘Stranded Heart’, comes to Highcross as the University of Leicester launches an appeal with the public to help raise vital funds to complete and equip a brand new Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital. The new state-of-the-art £12.6 million research centre will impact radically on both the scale and quality of research and treatment of cardiovascular disease all over the UK.

The sculpture – by artist Diane Maclean – was kindly donated to the university by a supporter of the appeal to symbolise the pioneering work that will be conducted by the University’s world leading researchersin the CRC. Stranded Heart will remain at Highcross until moving to its permanent home at the CRC.

Jo Tallack, General Manager at Highcross said: “We’re thrilled to be able to house the Stranded Heart sculpture at Highcross. It’s a real honour to be a part of such a worthwhile appeal and to work with the University of Leicester in this way.

“For much of the community, Highcross is considered to be the heart of Leicester, so it seemed natural to house the sculpture here in such a prominent location and raise awareness of the life-saving work supported by the CRC.”

Ave Vinick, from the University of Leicester, said: “Pioneering research that benefits the local community is at the core of our mission and it is therefore appropriate that our appeal has a place in the very heart of Leicester where it can be seen and supported by local people.

“We have been greatly encouraged by the generous support we have received to date from local trusts, community groups and organisations andmost notably from the British Heart Foundation, who have made a multi million pound investment in this flagship project for the city and county.

“The CRC will double the amount of high quality laboratory and academic space that will be essential in realising the University’s bold and novel research vision and will ultimately benefit the many thousands of patients and families whose lives have been affected by cardiovascular disease.”

Donations can be made by:
• Texting LCRC11 £10 to 70070 to donate £10*
• Visiting the University donation webpage at http://www2.le.ac.uk/alumni/supportus/donate
• Sending a cheque made out to the University of Leicester to the Development and Alumni Relations Office, University of Leicester, Fielding Johnson Building, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH.
Please clearly indicate that your donation is for the Cardiovascular Research Centre (CRC)
To discuss a donation and for further information:
Phone: +44(0) 116 223 1071
Email: crc.appeal@le.ac.uk

*Texts are charged at your mobile phone operator's standard rate. Donation amounts must be in whole pounds up to £10 (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5, £10). The University will receive 100% of your donation. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information, please visit www.justgiving.com/info/terms-of-service