The run is set to take place in the Stormont Estate at 11am on Sunday, November 3, with participants running to remember someone they have lost to a chest, heart or stroke illness, or for a friend or family member who is currently living with one of these conditions. Others are simply taking part to show their support for both the charity and local primary school.
Proceeds from the event will go towards Chest Heart and Stroke’s work with families across Northern Ireland and will help fund new sports facilities at Strandtown Primary School. Participants can take part in a 10K or 5K run and a kids fun run will also be available.
Chris Lyttle MLA said: “I would encourage everybody to sign up for this run. It is a great way to raise awareness of chest, heart and stroke health conditions, as well as a good way to keep active. While this event has an important message, I hope everybody taking part has a great day.”
Judith Cochrane MLA added: “I am pleased to support this event as I am all too aware of the important role that NI Chest, Heart and Stroke play in increasing awareness of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke as it was through one of their health checks that I discovered an underlying blood pressure problem.
“As a member of the Parent Teacher Association at Strandtown Primary school, I am delighted that this event will encourage children to get active and raise important funds for new sporting facilities at the school.”
Siobhan Hanley, Director of Fundraising for NICHS, said: “Run to Remember is about remembering the 20 people who die every day in Northern Ireland from chest, heart or stroke illnesses as well as these conditions. The money you raise is used by us for the care and prevention of chest, heart and stroke illnesses.
“We work with people who have these conditions and their families, offering crucial practical and emotional support at what can be one of the most difficult times of their lives. Our support groups provide an opportunity for people to come together and share experiences while benefitting from a structured programme of activities including rehabilitation, exercise and information about their conditions. We do health promotion work in schools, with the homeless and in the workplace. We fund research relating to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. And we campaign at Assembly level for the people who are affected by these conditions and their families.”
For more details and to register, please go to http://www.nichs.org.uk/stormont