A HEART patient and her family have raised hundreds of pounds for the British Heart Foundation's Heart of Wirral scanner appeal to thank staff at Arrowe Park Hospital where she was treated.

Liz Evans is passionate about the appeal to raise funds for two heart scanners, following her own heart problems.

In 2014, the mum-of-two from New Brighton developed a sharp stabbing pain in her chest which she thought was a pulled a muscle.

She was sent by her GP to Arrowe Park Hospital and was diagnosed with Pericarditis, a swelling of the Pericardium which is the fluid filled sac surrounding the heart.

Following her diagnosis Liz was treated with steroids and sent home.

Since then Liz has developed Pericarditis several times leading to Pericardial Effusion.

It is not clear what causes the inflammation although viral infection is usually suspected.

The 39-year-old said: "The treatment I have received from staff has been amazing.

"I have spent lots of time at Arrowe Park Hospital and have had many heart scans.

"Every time I visit I have always been treated with such kindness and professionalism."

The Heart of Wirral appeal by the British Heart Foundation is hoping to hit its £66,000 target before Christmas.

Liz has raised £500 for the appeal and the fundraising has helped the charity as it makes one final push to reach its goal. New Brighton Primary school donated £300 towards her fundraising. 

Hayley Gough, fundraising manager for the appeal said: "The support from the Wirral community for the appeal has been amazing.

"The public have been so generous and I'm hoping that in the next couple of weeks we are able to raise the last of the funds, purchase the new scanners and start putting them to good use..”

More details on appeal are from www.bhf.org.uk/wirralappeal