THE NATION’S HEART CHARITY URGES SOUTH SEFTON, SOUTHPORT & ST HELENS TEACHERS TO HOP, SKIP AND JUMP

IF you’re a health conscious teacher who’s keen to get your class moving then the British Heart Foundation (BHF) may have the perfect solution. The charity is running a free skipping workshop, after school hours on, 8 March 2010, in Range Hill School, Stapleton Road, Formby, Merseyside L372YN, and is urging teachers from the local area to attend.

The practical session perfectly compliments the National Curriculum and is for any teacher keen to get their school skipping. It aims to show the heart healthy benefits of skipping and will also help you to sort a ‘pretzel’ from a ‘Chinese wheel’ so you can teach your pupils all the moves. If you attend you will also receive a free information pack to take away so you can get your class on the hop right away.

The skipping workshop is available as part of the BHF’s Jump Rope For Heart fundraising initiative which to date has seen thousands of schools take part since its launch in 1987. If you register for the initiative, you will receive a free skipping resource kit worth over £100, which contains everything you need to teach the skills and eventually show these off at a skipping event called a Jump Off.

As well as giving you a simple exercise routine for PE lessons or the playground, teachers get the added incentive to skip for the BHF because your school gets to keep 20% of the money raised from their event.

Teachers attending a workshop this year will also learn about the charity’s new exciting Ultimate Dodgeball event, which has been launched as part of its award winning Food4Thought campaign that over 3,500 secondary schools took part in last year. They will also learn about the charity’s popular Artie’s Olympics initiative aimed at getting children aged under 8 more active.

With over 2.6 million people living with coronary heart disease, funds raised are vital and have helped the BHF to:-

► Support the BHF Heart Information line which provides confidential information for heart patients and their families

► Carry out ground-breaking heart research

► Provide BHF nurses, rehabilitation programmes and support groups to heart patients and their families.

Ken FRETWELL; from the British Heart Foundation said:- “As well as arming you with all the information and skills you need to teach skipping to all key stages, the workshop is sure to be an inspiring session. So, if you’re keen to engage your pupils with an exciting and energetic activity then come along to our workshop and learn how you could bring skipping into the classroom.”

If you’d like to attend the skipping workshop in Formby, please call Ken Fretwell on:- 0151 6782646 or on:- 07714254503

Teachers can get more information on the skipping workshops by contacting Ken Fretwell on:- 0151 6782646 or by visiting:- bhf.org.uk/jumprope.

For all you skipping crazy schools out there, the BHF have also started selling their own skipping ropes to support the initiative. Visit our new online shop at:- bhf.org.uk/schoolequipment or by calling on:- 01628 628 777 for more information.

Red Alert: National Wear Red Day – what are you going to wear?

THE British Heart Foundation (BHF) is asking people from across the county to join National Wear Red Day on Friday, 26 February 2010.  By wearing red for a suggested donation of £1, you will be helping the BHF help fight the UK’s biggest killer - heart and circulatory disease.  Singer and heart patient Kate Nash is also urging people to join her by going Red for Heart in aid of the nation’s heart charity. Whether it be adding a touch of red lipstick to your outfit or wearing your favourite red shirt for the day, there are hundreds of ways you can get involved and lend your support.  Kate has created several stunning visuals shot by top photographer Nicky Johnston to show how she will be going red. Speaking out about why this is a subject close to Kate she said:- “I’m supporting the British Heart Foundation this February for National Heart Month by wearing red on 26 February 2010. As a heart patient I know how important it is to look after your heart health. Three years ago I had an operation to treat a serious heart condition. The BHF need your support so they can continue their life saving work, pioneering research and patient care that helps people of all ages. Having the operation gave me a future I can look forward to. So please wear red to support the nation’s heart charity in the fight against heart disease – the UK’s biggest killer.”  The money raised by getting your friends and colleagues together to wear red on National Wear Red Day will help the BHF save lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information.  To find out more about National Wear Red Day and to order your free Red for Heart Fundraising Kit, visit:- bhf.org.uk/red  or call:- 0845 2410976.

MP

YOU read correct... Nice ‘n’ Naughty Director, Simon Prescott, has raised thousands of pounds for charity in recent years by pushing himself to the limit for a good cause. This time, though, he’s going for the Big One - the London Marathon on 25 April 2010.

The Virgin London Marathon is one of the great British sporting events, combining elite athletics, mass participation and record-breaking fundraising in one race. The course is a gruelling 26 miles 385 yards long, passing through the streets of London from Blackheath to the famous finish line at The Mall. Since the first race in 1981, more than £400 million has been raised for charities and good causes. Last year alone a staggering £47.2 million was reached, making the event a Guinness World Record holder as the largest annual fundraising event on the planet.

Simon’s target is a bit more modest than £47.2 million but it’s a challenge nevertheless. He’s setting out to raise at least £1500 for a very worthwhile charity - Vitalise, which provides respite breaks and other essential services for disabled people, visually impaired people, and carers.

Thousands of disabled people in the UK have complicated medical and care requirements that can make taking even a short break incredibly difficult and costly to arrange. Vitalise Centres across the UK make a real difference through their accessible respite care and short breaks. Guests can spend their time in a supportive and safe environment while carers can take some much needed time off from their 24 hour a day role.

Please help Simon reach his target by donating at:- uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SimonPrescott.

Simon has pledged to get the ball rolling by contributing £250 personally and you’ll be helping make life easier for a lot of people for whom every day is a challenge.