Docs Battle Heart Disease by Cycling Length of NZ

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Heart Foundation Press Release

Gruelling February heat no match for health professionals committed to raising cash for heart research.

One of the biggest fundraising events in the Heart Foundation's history will see a team of top cardiologists and health professionals complete an epic cycle ride that will cover the length of New Zealand.

The Great Ride For Heart 2010 is the cardiology community's response to the relentless trauma they witness every day as patients and families struggle against the country's biggest killer.

Their aim is to boost awareness of heart disease prevention by engaging with everyday New Zealanders on their own turf, all the while raising a target of $1 million for the Heart Foundation's Cardiovascular Research Fund.

Heart Foundation Medical Director and keen cyclist Professor Norman Sharpe says cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) will affect most New Zealanders at some point in their lives - with most Kiwis having already lost someone close because of it.

"Despite huge advancements in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease it remains the number one killer of both men and women," says Professor Sharpe.

"We know the majority of heart disease and stroke is premature and preventable and this is the empowering message we want to share with every New Zealander we meet along the way."

"Every one of us can make simple changes to our lifestyle in order to reduce our chances of becoming another heart disease statistic. We simply want every Kiwi to know that prevention is the key to beating this devastating disease," he says.

The Great Ride For Heart cyclists will kick off their journey in Cape Reinga on February 01, 2010. Their two week journey will cover a mammoth 2,117kms, finishing in Bluff on Valentine's Day, Sunday February 14.

Each of the 25 core riders have pledged to raise at least $10,000 through their personal 'Heart Racer' online sponsorship pages. They will be joined en route by 28 day riders, who have pledged to raise at least $1,000 per leg All riders will personally fund 100% of their journey.

Professor Sharpe says the Heart Foundation's Cardiovascular Research Fund has two major objectives.

"The $5 million endowment fund will pay for new preventive heart research by establishing a University of Auckland based research hub for the benefit of all New Zealanders," he says.

"It will also support our emerging heart health professionals with scholarships and fellowships to ensure New Zealand maintains the best standards in heart research."

Former Prime Minister and heart attack survivor Dame Jenny Shipley is Chair of the Cardiovascular Research Fund's Leadership Team and is looking forward to supporting her husband Burton as he tackles the Timaru to Bluff leg of the Great Ride For Heart.

"The Heart Foundation has spent over 40 years investing in medical research and the promotion of public health around heart disease. The charity has been placing an increased emphasis on making a real change for New Zealanders by focusing on personal heart disease prevention," she says.

"Burton and I are joining the movement to beat heart disease and we look forward to engaging with people on the road to talk about the importance of lifestyle choices in order to beat heart disease."

For more information or to support a rider visit http://www.heartracer.org.nz/fundraise/event.asp?id=136

ENDS

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