Mother's Day run and walk for heart health a success

Wellington locals run and walk their way through Mother’s Day for heart health

The Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk took place in the Wellington CBD yesterday, with 543 people taking part in support of women’s heart health.

The event began at Frank Kitt’s Park and followed a 5 kilometre route. It was part of a nationwide initiative that is run by Jennian Homes annually to support the Heart Foundation’s ‘Go Red for Women’ campaign, which aims to improve the heart health of New Zealand females.

This year the event moved from its previous location in Whitby, to the Wellington waterfront, resulting in a turnout that was more than double last year’s.

Heart disease is the single biggest killer of women, taking the lives of over 50 each week in this country. As a proud supporter of ‘Go Red for Women’, Jennian Homes is committed to working with the Heart Foundation to reduce this alarming statistic, and is giving $20,000 to the charity to support women’s heart health, as a result of the Mother’s Day events.

Belinda Barber of Jennian Homes Wellington says: “Yesterday was a great show of support for women’s heart health and a fantastic way for the community to start Mother’s Day.
“We met many women with different stories from heart attack survivors to ladies walking to honour loved ones lost, or suffering from heart disease.

“We are grateful to everyone who took part and we are already looking forward to what next year holds.”
Gerry Devlin, Medical Director for the Heart Foundation, says: “The Heart Foundation is delighted with the phenomenal support behind this year’s Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk. Engaging the public at a community, grassroots level is fantastic. As well as raising funds, the events place women’s heart health top-of-mind for the thousands of women and families who take part.

“We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of our partner, Jennian Homes, which makes such a valuable contribution to our work at the Heart Foundation, helping us fund much-needed heart research and specialist training for cardiologists.”

This year the official fun run/walk red t-shirts carried a bespoke design, created by iconic New Zealand artist Dick Frizzell. Dick was asked to contribute the design to add his ‘unique, recognisably New Zealand’ touch to the events.

Plimmerton School in Plimmerton, Porirua is also benefiting from the heart health message, as it will be receiving $2,500 worth of Rebel Sport vouchers. Schools were nominated by fun run/walk entrants during the registration process.

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