British Heart Foundation Event at the University of Manchester
Yesterday, I was taken along to the University of Manchester for a British Heart Foundation event, which was an eye-opening experience. I didn’t know what to expect at first but it was an amazing opportunity. As myself, Paula and Sophie from Curtins’ Liverpool office arrived at the university we were taken, with others from other companies, to a presentation by the CEO of the British Heart Foundation, who thanked all the companies for everything they do to help the British Heart Foundation. Each company are trying their very best to raise as much money as possible. Curtins have already raised over £12,000 since May, which is unbelievable and great support towards the charity.
Throughout the presentation the CEO included all the companies which have supported them, which was good as then they feel involved and touched that the British heart foundation do take note for what people do for them. Curtins and other companies were able to experience going through the labs so the know what they are raising money for and how the money helps scientists find new drugs and medication to help prevent heart problems. The British Heart Foundation go through a lot to do as much research as possible to help.
As of yesterday, I understand that every penny does count! Not just towards medication but also towards equipment. For instance, the British Heart Foundation want to buy every high school a dummy so that every child, our next generation of adults, are able to perform CPR. Heart problems can lead to someone having to perform CPR to save you. Therefor, if the British Heart Foundation is not able to find a medication it has played a part in helping to save you through teaching CPR.
After the CEO gave an informative talk, all the companies present were taken in groups on a tour of the science labs in the University. We were put into group 7, which had staff from across all offices at Curtins. It was lovely to meet them all and they were all very welcoming. After meeting everyone, we were then escorted to the science labs by our leader, who guided us to each lab safely.
The first lab we went to showed us an artery that was spread out by pins. This showed us the fat and blood going through the artery. We then had a closer look at the cell through a microscope, which was very interesting. We could see the fine details of the cell and how it works. This experiment was to see the high blood pressure in the heart.
The next lab was a special room which had a cell under a microscope and large metal boxes around it. The metal boxes prevented noise and isolated the surroundings of the cell. Beneath the microscope was also a special mat, which prevented any vibrations of the cell. You could see the cell on a TV screen, as well as through the microscope, as more of a visual example so we could see the details and movement better.
Our group was then taken to the next building for an experiment that has a process of 12 days. A small mouse was being formed and kept in a cold fridge as an experiment. The scientist explained to the group that the mouse was like tissue and wasn’t being harmed. The heart of the mouse in this experiment was still pumping, the eyes and head had formed, however we were told the mouse would not be able to form a brain or any other features throughout this experiment.
After being talked through all the experiments, we were blown away and had lots of questions to ask. It was an amazing experience that everyone enjoyed and I have come away having learnt lots of interesting things about the British Heart Foundation and how the human heart works.