World record volunteers needed (From Leigh Journal)

Beat stroke and help set a world record

7:20am Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News

HEALTH experts say there is still time for people to become part of a history-making world record attempt.

Tomorrow, Wednesday (February 13) Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust's Active Living Team will be hosting a special event at Robin Park Arena aimed at raising awareness about strokes.

The centrepiece of the event will be an ambitious attempt to break the world record for the most people taking part in a chair-based exercise session.

Debbie McCann from the Active Living Team explained: "Chair-based exercises are a great way for older people to keep fit and active and exercise is a great way of helping to prevent a stroke.

"To illustrate this, we want to break the world record for the number of people taking part in an exercise session. It currently stands at 262 people and we've been working hard to get volunteers together to beat this figure on Wednesday.

"But there are still places available for people to come along, take part and help us to break the record.

"The attempt will be officially verified by Guinness so this really is a chance to be part of something special."

Each year, more than 150,000 people across the country suffer a stroke, which is one person every five minutes. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. It is sudden and the effects, which include slurred speech, numbness, paralysis and even loss of sight, can be immediate.

WLCT has joined forces with NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan, Stroke Association and Think Ahead Community Stroke Group to highlight what services and support are available for people in Wigan Borough.

"Whilst stroke can affect people at any age, it is most common amongst people aged over 65," said Debbie. "Adopting a healthy lifestyle, stopping smoking and cutting down on drinking can really help to guard against stroke and at the event we'll be telling people all about some of the great ways they can take action, get in shape and feel better."

The event starts at noon on Wednesday and is open to everyone. There will be free NHS health checks, information stalls from groups such as Think Ahead and the Stroke Association plus a visit from Wigan Athletic's mascots Phoenix and Blue and a chance to get advice from health professionals on how to reduce your risk of stroke.

The event will also give visitors the chance to try their hand at some fitness-focussed interactive gaming through X-Box and Wii-Fit as well as a chance to churn your own health drink on a special smoothie bike. There will be guest speakers and if you're feeling peckish there's even free hotpot and veggie hotpot!

"It's a fun, free event with a serious message," said Debbie.

"We would urge as many people as possible to get along, find out more and help us to break the world record."

To book a place and volunteer for the World Record attempt call 01942 488481