Firefighters promote heart health with fitness challenge

The event is supported by NI Chest, Heart & Stroke to help raise awareness of maintaining a good level of fitness can prove beneficial in leading a long and healthy life. Representatives from the charity will be on hand during the event to carry out blood pressure readings as well as offering advice and support.

Lagan Valley Diabetes, Mayor Margaret Tolerton’s chosen charity for wthe year, will also be on hand to give out information on diabetes and how keeping a good level of fitness can be beneficial in preventing the onset of diabetes.

Firefighter Noel McKee, main organiser of the event, said, “As firefighters it is essential that we keep a good level of fitness to be able to carry out our duties. Events like this one give us a chance to encourage the general public to do the same. Keeping fit is not only fun but it helps us maintain a good standard of health and can help in the prevention of heart trouble, make us less likely to have a stroke, heart attack or to develop diabetes and can be good for our mental health as well.”

Lisburn is the 2013 City of Sport and it is hoped that events such as these will encourage more people to take up exercise of some sort and to use the excellent facilities at the Leisureplex.

If you wish to donate to either charity then come along on the day as a collection buckets will be available throughout the event or contact the charities directly.