Mid and East Antrim Council hosted some super guests this week as the Mayor met with ambassadors for leading local health charity, Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) in support of National Heart Month and the charity’s upcoming Red Dress Fun Run this February.
The Red Dress Fun Run, proudly supported by MACE, is the charity’s annual five kilometre run or walk event which aims to raise funds and awareness for heart disease. The event coincides with National Heart Month in February, when NICHS encourage people to think about their cardiovascular health and the steps they can take towards a healthier, stronger heart, such as eating healthily and getting active.
The mayor met with ambassadors for the charity from across the local council area who will be taking part in the Red Dress Fun Run to raise funds and awareness for the charity. NICHS ambassador and firefighter Graham Ross from Whitehead will be taking part for the fifth year running in memory of his father, Cameron, dressed as iconic red hero ‘Spiderman’. Julie McAllister from Carrick will also be running for the fifth time, 10 years on from suffering a major heart attack aged just 39.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey, said:
“Over the decades, NI Chest, Heart and Stroke has made an enormous contribution, supporting communities across the country, and it is just as essential today. I would encourage everyone to therefore get involved in their fantastic event. You can run, walk, dance, skip or wheel 5K and of course remember to dress in red. Together we can help rebuild thousands of lives and make a lasting change towards heart health.”
The charity is also inviting primary school pupils to join in the fun by hosting their own fun run anytime this February, with participating schools receiving a certificate of thanks and prizes up for grabs.
Alastair Beacom, Principal, Dunclug Primary School, Ballymena said:
“We are really looking forward to taking part in this year's Red Dress Primary School Run. For years our pupils have taken part in the charity's Chester's Challenge workshops and have learned about the importance of keeping active and making healthy choices. This event is a great way for our school community to raise awareness and funds for the cause to fight heart disease in Northern Ireland.”
You can sign up to the Red Dress Fun Run at:
A special early bird offer runs until the end of January. You can find out more about getting your primary school involved at: