The delivery of Beat the Street is being supported by the National Charity Partnership — a collaboration between Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Tesco.
Thousands of Newham, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets and Hackney residents have signed up to an exciting new walking, cycling and running event called Beat the Street which starts this week. The event takes place from 23 September to 11 November, and encourages East Londoners to ditch the car and walk where possible. It takes the form of a real-life game where participants are challenged to ‘race to space’.
The competition received its official launch at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this week. The event was attended by Arsenal Ladies footballers Jade Bailey and Vyan Sampson who are also both England internationals U23 and U19 respectively. The event was also attended by children and staff from primary schools throughout the boroughs along with representatives of the National Charity Partnership and Beat the Street.
Beat the Street East London is being funded by the National Charity Partnership and forms part of its aim to support and transform the lives of 40,000 families in the UK. Jenna Hall, Programme Director for the National Charity Partnership, said: “The game is open to anyone who lives in Newham, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets and is completely free. We’ve approached schools directly, and the take-up has been fantastic. However, there’s still time to join in whatever your age. Whether you’re an individual, a business, a voluntary organisation or a team, there are great prizes to be won and the incentive of getting more active.”
Dr William Bird, Founder of Intelligent Health, which runs the project on behalf of the National Charity Partnership, added: “Beat the Street is designed to inspire people to be physically active, with the intention that they will continue these lifestyle choices beyond the eight weeks of the competition. Pick up a card from one of the distribution points listed on the Beat the Street East London website and see how far you can walk!”
The Partnership between Diabetes UK, BHF and Tesco was launched earlier this year. Its aim is to help save lives, by helping millions of people to eat better and get active, reducing their risk of serious ill-health in the future. This will help reduce people’s risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, both of which are largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. Through the money raised by Tesco colleagues, the partnership will deliver a variety or preventative and informative initiatives.
For more information about Beat the Street in Newham, visit www.eastlondon.beatthestreet.me. Alternatively visit @btseastlondon on Twitter and Beat the Street East London on Facebook.
To find out more about the National Charity Partnership visit www.tescocharitypartnership.org.uk
About the National Charity Partnership:
Tesco, Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation are working together to help change the nation’s health for the better. There are 3.9 million people in the UK living with diabetes and 11.5 million people at increased risk of developing it. There are also 7 million people living with cardiovascular disease and another 1.9 million at serious risk. The partnership aims to help people to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, both of which are largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. The partnership aims to raise £30 million over three years, which will be split equally between Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation. The funds will provide help for people to reduce their risk of both conditions, and in doing so, give people across the UK a greater chance of a healthier and longer life. For more information about the partnership visit www.tescocharitypartnership.org.uk
About Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK is the leading UK charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes. Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. For more information on all aspects of diabetes and access to Diabetes UK activities and services, visit www.diabetes.org.uk. For more information on reporting on diabetes, download our journalists’ guide: www.diabetes.org.uk/journalists-guide
About The British Heart Foundation:
For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure. Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives For more information on the BHF, visit www.bhf.org.uk.
