15 September 2004

Hike for your heart

Photo opportunity: (start of hike) 10.30am, Sunday 19 September, University of Dundee, Riverside Sports Grounds, Riverside, Dundee

The University of Dundee's Institute of Sport and Exercise is hoping to kick start the new academic year by hosting 'Hike for your Heart', an afternoon of walking to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation on Sunday 19 September. Up to 300 University staff and their friends and families will be taking part in the fundraising event, which is also open to the local community.

The walk will take place between Riverside Sports Grounds and Invergowrie, taking in part of the Inner Tay Nature Reserve on the way. Participants will step out at 10.30am to complete the 5 mile walk, which will finish up at Riverside Sports Grounds where food and free entertainment will be available, including beach volleyball, touch rugby, supervised children’s activities and music.

Paul McPate, Assistant Director, Institute of Sport and Exercise said, "Walking is one of the best forms of physical activity to keep our hearts fit and healthy and is relatively easy to fit into our busy daily schedules. Just half an hour's walking each day can help you feel good, have more energy; sleep better; reduce stress and blood pressure and manage your weight. Hike for Your Heart will hopefully encourage people to make walking a more regular feature of their daily lives."

Anyone who would like to take part is invited to make a £5 donation to the British Heart Foundation which can be paid on the day. For further information contact the Institute on 01382 344121.

For further details please contact Paul McPate on 01382 344118

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk