Happy Hearts run to inspire local lifestyle changes

Heart disease remains one of the biggest health issues in Scotland and more than 1,490 local heroes laced up to raise awareness of the disease – and money for local health projects – by completing the SUBWAY Helping Hearts™ Family 5K Fun Run at Holyrood Park on Sunday. 

Hayley Peters (above) a 29-year-old woman from Edinburgh, ran to raise awareness of heart disease. Hayley’s grandmother, Ann, had angina and died from a heart attack in 2015. Tragedy almost struck once more, two years later when Stuart, Hayley’s brother, had a stroke caused by an undetected hole in the heart.

The series’ connection with Heart Research UK was important to Hayley in adopting a lifestyle change for not only herself but also her two sons Robbie, 5 and Cairn 9. The trio, under team name ‘Happy Hearts’ completed the 5K Fun Run together.

Hayley said , “It was an amazing day and so inspirational to be part of this event with all the other families, raising money for a great cause together. Both of my boys really enjoyed the whole experience and hopefully they will remember this day and remember to keep healthy and looking after their hearts.” 

Sacha Clark, Marketing Director for the Subway® brand in UK and Ireland, commented, “We are delighted that the SUBWAY Helping Hearts™ Family 5K Fun Run series has come to Edinburgh for the fourth time. The Subway® brand is committed to encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and the series provides a great way for families to get fit and active together.”

Barbara Harpham, Chief Executive of Heart Research UK said “As they cross the finish line, everyone who has taken part will know that they will be helping hearts in the Edinburgh region. The money raised will pay for community-based Healthy Heart Grants that encourage people across the region to live more active lifestyles. Heart Research UK, the Subway® brand and all the runners, together, are helping people to live healthier, happier, longer lives.”

This was the second run of nine taking place throughout the UK this summer. Local families made their way around the course to raise money for Heart Research UK, with many of them embracing the iconic ‘Field of Fresh’ inflatable obstacle course (above) for the final 500m.

After the race, runners and their friends and family were treated to a delicious Subway® lunch in the Family Village. Free entertainment continued throughout the day with inflatables, games, face painting, and music.

The event is part of the Subway® brand’s efforts to inspire families to live healthier and more active lifestyles. The next stage of the series takes place in Jesus Green, Cambridge on Sunday 18 th June.

All sponsorship money raised funds the Heart Research UK and Subway® Healthy Heart grant scheme, an initiative providing up to £10,000 each to local projects throughout the UK that actively promote heart health in the community. Go to   5ksub w ay.com   for more information.

Happy Hearts in Edinburgh? It’s been a while …

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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer