Newport families go on the run for the 2015 SUBWAY Helping Hearts™ Family 5K event
On Sunday over 460 runners put on their trainers and came down to Tredegar Park for the SUBWAY Helping Hearts™ Family 5K, the first time the event has been held in Newport in the series’ three year history.
Local families made their way around the course in order to raise money for Heart Research UK, with many of them embracing the new ‘field of fresh’ giant inflatable for the final 500m.
Ruth Caddy, 45 of Bedwas near Caerphilly , took part in the event with her two daughters Kayleigh and Grace after having experienced the effects of heart disease first-hand. Having undergone a heart valve replacement in 1990, Ruth’s mother Rona has continued to suffer with heart failure; the impact of which has had a profound effect on the family as a whole.
In an effort to help others who have been affected, Ruth and her daughters made their way around the course to raise funds for national charity Heart Research UK as it looks to support the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.
Commenting on her experience, Ruth said “We had to go through a lot as a family when mum became ill and was in and out of hospital, so anything that can prevent it happening to others is so worthwhile. The Subway® 5K event is great for a family atmosphere and hopefully it will help raise awareness and become as popular as the Race for Life events.”
The Caddy family’s story is just one example of the difference the sponsorship money raised can have, with every penny raised going towards the Heart Research UK and SUBWAY® Healthy Heart Grant scheme. The scheme was launched to provide financial support to local community groups across the UK to encourage them to lead healthy lifestyles and to, ultimately, look after their hearts.
After the fun run, runners were greeted by their family and friends where they enjoyed a fun day out in the sun with a variety of free entertainment including a bouncy castle, face painting and a delicious SUBWAY® lunch.
The event was the third of 12 that will take place up and down the country from May to September. Open to all ages and abilities the events are part of the SUBWAY® brand’s efforts to inspire families to live healthier and more active lifestyles.
Roger Cusa, Head of Marketing for the SUBWAY® brand in the UK and Ireland said “I am delighted that the first event at Newport in our 2015 SUBWAY Helping Hearts™ Family 5K series was such a success. It was great to see so many local families come out and show their support for this worthwhile cause. I hope their experiences will encourage even more people to sign up again next year.”
Barbara Harpham, National Director of Heart Research UK said: “We are thrilled to be working with the SUBWAY® brand once again to encourage heart healthy lifestyles for the whole family. It’s the first year we have put on a 5K event in Newport, and the local community have once again been more than generous with their donations. All the sponsorship money raised today will fund worthwhile projects that promote heart health in South Wales.”
Go to 5ksubway.com for more information.
