The public are being urged to don their walking shoes and take part in a walk being organised by the Irish Heart Foundation and GMIT Students’ Union to promote World Heart Day tomorrow (Thursday ).
The event will begin at the college’s campus at 1pm, go to Eyre Square and then return to GMIT where refreshments will be served.
Joe O’Connor, welfare officer and students’ union vice president, says walking is one of the most enjoyable pastimes.
“The best part is - you don’t have to be a champion walker to get out there and give it a try. Walking is fun, anyone can do it and it’s free. Being physically active is so important for your heart and overall health but it also makes you feel great. I would encourage everyone to join our heart day walk in Galway.”
Last year Heart Day walks throughout the country raised more than €30,000 This money was used to fund the Stroke FAST Campaign and this year the charity hopes to raise even more. As the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, the IHF relies on charitable donations for 90 per cent of its income.
Irish Heart Foundation regional fundraising manager David Muldoon says Heart Day walks are a “win-win” for everybody.
“They are a great day out with lots of fun and you feel great. The walk is free to join and people can make a donation on the day which means our walkers get the added satisfaction of knowing that the money they donate will help our campaign to get more people to recognise stroke symptoms and, in the event of a stroke, know how to get to hospital FAST, which can mean the difference between life and death.
“As well as that, being active is vital for heart health - you can reduce your risk of stroke by over a quarter and halve the risk of heart attack. So we want to urge everyone to go the extra mile for their hearts and help raise vital funds for our charity.”
For further information contact Joe O’Connor at (087 ) 2191862 or log onto www.gmitsugalway.com For details on the Irish Heart Foundation check out www.irishheart.ie or contact David Muldoon at (086 ) 3806941.
