A WATCHET woman who suffers from a heart condition is hoping to paint the town red with a charity auction for the British Heart Foundation.

Rebecca Freeman, 21, works as a care assistant at Croft House in Williton, and has supported the BHF since losing her father to heart disease 18 years ago.

Rebecca, who was recently diagnosed with a heart condition, is hoping to raise as much money as possible to help the charity continue its research into the causes and treatment of heart disease.

She said: “My dad was only 30 when he died of ischaemic heart disease, which meant that his arteries were blocked, restricting the blood flow to his heart.

“I was just two years old, so I never had the chance to know him. I have taken part in fundraising events for the BHF before but this is the first time I have organised one.”

Last year Rebecca raised over £200 for the BHF, and hopes to beat this in 2010.

She added: “We have received some very generous donations which will be sold on the evening, including theatre tickets; a house clean; football tickets; and even a week in a hotel in the Gambia.

“I don’t want to give away too many secrets but there are plenty of other lots up for offer.”

Friday is the charity’s National Red for Heart day, so people are being asked to dress in red for the event, which will be held at the West Somerset Hotel, Swain Street, Watchet from 7.30pm.