Press Release - London Marathon - 6/2/05

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

                            
        Stroke Association chosen as London Marathon charity


The Stroke Association aims to raise £1million after being chosen by the 
Flora London Marathon as one of the two official charities for the 2006 
event. 

"This is brilliant news and a fantastic opportunity for us to promote the 
benefits of a healthy lifestyle which can reduce the risk of stroke," said 
Jon Barrick, Chief Executive of The Stroke Association. "The money raised 
from the Marathon will help us fund more vital stroke services and research 
to help those affected by stroke. And it will provide a platform to educate 
more people on how to prevent the UK's 3rd biggest killer. 

Every five minutes someone in England and Wales has a stroke. But this 
could be massively reduced because stoke is a preventable as well as 
treatable condition. Thanks to the Marathon we will be able to boost our 
prevention campaigning - especially focussing on high blood pressure - the 
biggest single risk factor for stroke."

40 per cent of all strokes are attributed to high blood pressure. However 
for every ten people who die of stroke, four could have been saved if they 
had arranged regular blood pressure measurements and then followed medical 
advice. The Stroke Association has ambitious plans to use this opportunity 
to improve public awareness of stroke and encourage as many people as 
possible to get their blood pressure checked. Free blood pressure testing 
will be available in the months before and on the day of the marathon for 
runners and members of public.

Stroke is a brain attack and can happen to anyone at anytime. It is 
estimated that 40 per cent of all strokes could be prevented through simple 
lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, regular blood pressure 
checks, treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) and taking steps 
to improve overall health. Over 130,000 people have a stroke each year and 
it is the biggest single cause of serious disability in the UK.

The Stroke Association National Events Team aims to make 2006 their biggest 
and best Marathon yet and challenge anyone wishing to run for The Stroke 
Association to achieve their personal best. To run for The Stroke 
Association on 23rd April 2006, please contact National Events on 0207 566 
0311 or email  for more information on how to 
secure your place and join our team! 



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