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!
# # #
MarathonGuide.com makes no representations as to the accuracy of information on this site or its suitability for any use. | privacy policy | refund policy