LAURA (800x600)

Not long to go until Heart Research UK’s Three Peaks challenge

People from across the UK have been invited to join Heart Research UK and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Three Peaks Project for a ‘Day in the Dales’ on 18th June.  

Set within the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the free event will give families plenty of fun and active things to do while raising money to fund research into the treatment, prevention and cure of heart disease, as well as maintaining the Three Peaks path.

Now in its 20th year, the 25-mile route will provide spectacular scenery and is sure to get the heart pumping.  

The challenge covers three of the highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales – Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

The charity now needs as many people as possible to do one, two or even three peaks.

Amir Akhtar, 33, completed the Three Peaks in 2012 with some of his colleagues from Barclays Bank.

The weather “wasn’t brilliant”, but he and some of his co-walkers battled through to complete it and raised £660, which Barclays match-funded, making it over £1,000 for the charity.

He said: “It’s a great cause. It’s something everyone should get involved with. It’s a fantastic event where you get a sense of accomplishment for completing a tough challenge, as well as giving back to those who need it most.”

Amir, who is from Bradford, said he would ‘definitely’ do it again.

“It’s lovely to walk in the hills and valleys with your friends, enjoying the fresh air and getting the heart thumping,” he recalled.

When Amir completed the Three Peaks four years ago, the charity’s cause didn’t affect him directly. It was only later that it became something ‘close to his heart’.

He said: “My nephew had to have open heart surgery from birth and now our family have experienced what it means to deal with heart issues directly.”

Heart Research UK are keen to promote ways in which families can be active together.

Around 80 per cent of five to 15-year-olds in England fail to meet the current physical activity recommendations and 27 per cent of UK adults do not achieve even 30 minutes of exercise each week.

At ‘Day in the Dales’ there will be lots of fun modern and traditional activities and sport for families to try.  There is also a 5K nature trail.

Designed to get children excited about countryside and woodland walks, the walk encourages children to note the sights and sounds around the village, learn about nature and to keep an eye out for house martins and woodpeckers.   

Barbara Harpham, National Director at Heart Research UK said: “Day in the Dales will be a great day out, giving families the opportunity to get out of the city and get active while enjoying a great day out.  There’s also a sports day for kids; challenges; stalls and games, as well as rides and nature exhibits.  Our 5K Nature Trail gets families walking, finding, collecting and learning.”  
Money raised at the Day in the Dales will be spent on helping hearts near you and to protect the Three Peaks paths for generations to come.  Heart Research UK are asking people to raise money by getting sponsored for the 5K Nature Trail.   

Anyone interested in taking part can ring 0113 234 7474 or visit www.heartresearch.org.uk/DID or www.heartresearch.org.uk/3-peaks