Great Support For Heart Fund Run

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

HUNDREDS of participants from all age groups turned up at the Stadium East field yesterday morning for the Heart Foundation of Jamaica's Fund Run.

Executive director of the Heart Foundation, Debra Chen, was very pleased with the support and thinks that the project, 'Run For Your Heart', achieved its objectives.

"I am very pleased with the support that we got and I think we have achieved our two main objectives of getting people aware that exercise is good for the heart and to try and raise funds to get sponsorship to continue our many programmes at the Heart Foundation," said Chen.

She added: "This event was started some 34 years ago by a member of our board, Vic Higgs, who was a recovering heart attack patient. He wanted to show people that they can return to a normal life where exercise can be used in the recovery process."

More that 2000 people were registered for yesterday's event with participants coming from schools, clubs and various business places. Wisynco were the title sponsors.

Also in attendance yesterday was Miss Jamaica World Deanna Robins. Olympians Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce and Kaliese Spencer who were expected to be present were no shows, but Chen stated that both athletes had given their blessing for the event.

Chen said a final tally on the funds realised yesterday would not be known until early next year. "We will know sometime in January how much was made from the venture as participants have to take certificates to their sponsors and then we will do a final tally," said Chen who stated that a presentation function will be held to honour top individuals and groups.