Make a start, look after your heart – make your heart a priority in 2019

It’s the time of year that we all feel under pressure to make a fresh start. Whether it’s losing weight, taking on a new challenge or finding a new hobby, there’s no better time to do something new with our lives.

With modern life being so hectic, it’s not always easy to stick to your new year’s health resolutions. One way to ensure you stay committed is to sign up for a Heart Research UK challenge or event. This gives you a goal to aim for, people to support and sponsor you and the chance to enjoy a new experience in life, improve your health and help raise money for Heart Research UK’s pioneering medical research.

Heart Research UK has a whole host of exciting challenges for 2019 that are perfect to help you make your heart a priority, such as the iconic Great North Run, adrenaline-packed skydives or intrepid global challenges such as trekking the mighty Great Wall of China or cycling from London to Paris.

Leon Ancliffe, who took on the London Marathon for Heart Research UK (above) said: “Signing up is the first step. I couldn’t run around the common when I decided to do the marathon for Heart Research UK but boy did I get fit in the process. When I crossed the finish line in under 5 hours I couldn’t believe it – it was the best thing I’ve ever done!”

Closer to home, take on the My Run, My Way challenge, perfect for people who want to complete a running challenge on their own terms. Take on your own 5k, 10k, half or full marathon and do it your way. Choose a date, time, route, distance and people to run with if you’d like or do a solo challenge.

Fancy a dip? Give our Swim the Channel challenge a go, where you can conquer the English Channel, all from the comfort of your local swimming pool.

These challenges are perfect for people of all ages and abilities and can be completed wherever and whenever it suits.

Pat Bingham, who completed Heart Research UK’s Swim the Channel challenge and even met her partner during the challenge, said: “Age is no excuse, I was in my seventies when I took on the Swim the Channel  challenge. I did it in my local pool and loved every minute of it. I even met a special friend along the way!”

To get involved with a Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Challenge, just get in touch, sign up for an event and you will receive your FREE fundraising pack along with support from our friendly team and supporters.

Don’t put it off, set off in the right direction in 2019 and sign up today at www.heartresearch.org.uk/events, call 0113 2347474 or email community@heartresearch.org.uk