Organisers ask Weymouth residents to get walking for British Heart Foundation (From Dorset Echo)

Organisers ask Weymouth residents to get walking for British Heart Foundation

4:04pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in News By Martin Lea

GET ready to put your best foot forward towards a healthy heart.

Organisers are gearing up for the Great Parks Charity Walks which sees families taking a stroll through some of Weymouth’s finest beauty spots.

The annual fundraiser supports the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and about £1,000 was raised last year with almost 100 people involved.

The fifth Great Parks Charity Walk will be held on Sunday, April 15.

Starting and finishing at Sandsfoot Castle, there will be a choice of an eight-mile walk and a shorter 3.5mile family stroll – both will take in routes around the beautiful parks and gardens of Weymouth. Refreshments will be provided along the route.

The BHF works with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the Friends’ groups which look after the parks in planning the event.

President of the Weymouth and Portland branch of the British Heart Foundation Peter Rendall said the walk gives hearts a good workout while raising awareness.

He said: “It is a wonderful opportunity to encourage people to enjoy a fun, healthy and informative walk around the gardens of Weymouth with friends and family.

“It also gives hearts a good workout while raising vital awareness and crucial funds.”

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council leisure and tourism spokesman Andy Blackwood said: “The borough is blessed with many fabulous parks and recreational open spaces and this event is a splendid way to discover some of the many developments and improvements that have been carried out.

“The constant enthusiasm shown by the Friends’ groups and the British Heart Foundation is admirable and ensures the continued success of this annual event.”

It costs £5 for adults to enter, £3 for children or £10 for a family. Under-16s need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Call 01892 893918, email south@bhf.org.uk or visit bhf.org.uk /greatparks for details.