DIABETES UK ANNOUNCED AS OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER FOR THE SIMPLYHEALTH GREAT RUN SERIES 2019

Simplyhealth is delighted to announce that it has chosen Diabetes UK as the official charity partner of the Simplyhealth Great Run Series 2019 - the UK’s biggest programme of mass participation running events for people of all ages and abilities, including the iconic Simplyhealth Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon.

The Simplyhealth Great Run Series kicks off on Saturday 12th January 2019, with the Simplyhealth Great Stirling Castle Run, followed by the Simplyhealth Great Stirling XCountry run, which will be broadcast on BBC One from 1.15pm. Scottish Olympian and vet, Laura Muir, will be joining the British team at the event as she makes her season debut.

Laura said: “It's always nice to get out into the countryside of Scotland for a run early in the New Year, especially when it’s at an event like the Simplyhealth Great XCountry.This year a new venue adds an extra bit excitement and I’m looking forward to racing the new course with the backdrop of Stirling Castle.”

Each year, Simplyhealth Professionals supports a number of veterinary teams and individuals to attend Great Run events and anyone who hasn’t already chosen their charity will be able to run on behalf of Diabetes UK.

Diabetes in people is considered the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting more people than any other serious health condition in the UK - more than dementia and cancer combined.

Gudrun Ravetz, Simplyhealth’s Head Veterinary Officer said: “Veterinary Professionals know how devastating a diagnosis of diabetes can be in pets and can understand the consequences for people affected by the condition. There are now nearly 3.7 million people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and it is estimated that there are nearly 1 million people currently living with the condition who don’t know they have it because they haven’t been diagnosed. That means many of us have friends or relatives who experience poor health as a result of diabetes.”

Bambos Neophytou, Simplyhealth’s Brand Director, said: “We know that physical activity is a vitally important way for people living with or at risk of diabetes to manage their health more effectively.Research tells us that three out of five cases of Type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle changes including exercising – be that running, jogging, walking, swimming, or cycling on the flat. We want our partnership with Diabetes UK to drive positive change to peoples’ health and wellbeing, and encourage more people to make healthy choices to reduce the risk of diabetes.”

Laura Kirkwood, Head of Community and Events at Diabetes UK, said: “We’re excited about the opportunity to increase awareness of how physical activity can help people manage or reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes. Exercise can also help people with Type 1 to gain better control over their condition. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 can be prevented or delayed by making healthier choices, including following a healthy diet and taking increased physical activity. Together we can reach more people at risk of Type 2 diabetes and help them make positive changes to their health, in order to prevent one of the biggest health challenges facing people living in the UK today.”

For expert tips and information on how to get the best out of pre-event training, runners can visit the Simplyhealth Train & Prepare pages at www.greatrun.org/training-simplyhealth. Anyone interested in finding out more about the spaces at the event that can be allocated to veterinary runners from member practices should talk to their Simplyhealth Business Development Consultant.