Stride out at The Sheepmount

(Date of issue: Wednesday, 12 November 2008)

Carlisle’s Walking to Health Group is striding out this Friday (14 November) to raise awareness for Global Diabetes Day. Local residents are invited to join the event, which will start at The Sheepmount at 12noon.

Since 2004, the World Diabetes Foundation has encouraged people around the world to walk on World Diabetes Day (14 November). An estimated 25,000 people in Cumbria have diabetes and this figure is expected to rise by two-thirds by 2025. People with the disease are up to five times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

An early diagnosis and a healthier lifestyle can control the risk of developing serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, amputation, kidney failure and blindness.

The Global Diabetes Walk is an ideal way of showing support and raising awareness of diabetes at global level. Last year 207,694 people from 70 different countries joined the walk. More than 230,000 people from 62 countries all over the world have registered to take part this year. Cumbria is running 40% of all the walks in the UK.

NHS Cumbria has also organised walks in South Cumbria. These will start at Barrow’s Forum 28 at 12.30pm and Kendal’s Market Place at 11.45am.