Latest news with #TheBritishHeartFoundation
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Wetherspoons superfan hitch-hikes round UK to find his favourite budget boozer
Derek Adams, 82, has raised £9,000 for The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research as he hitch-hikes his way across Britain A beer-loving OAP is thumbing lifts up and down the country to test every Wetherspoon pub in Britain. Hitchhiker Derek Adams has visited 76 of the budget boozers since he began his quest in 2022. The 82-year-old has walked 3,690 miles along the British coast in the last three years. He hitches a ride at the start and end of every day. "At the end of a day's walking, around 6pm, I like to go and sit in a Wetherspoon pub. Because I know I'll be safe and warm and there'll be people to talk to," Derek, of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, said. "The staff are always very friendly and happy to hear about my travels, which I am keen to share. I've had lifts from English, Welsh, French, German and Austrian people." His favourite pubs are The William Rufus, in Carlisle, Cumbria, The Paddle Steamer, Largs, Scotland and The Corryvreckan, Oban, Scotland. Derek has raised £9,000 for The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research. His charity work earns him shout-outs from radio stations, so that motorists hear about his work and are more likely to stop for him. Derek also wears a fluorescent jacket with "Derek Treks Britain" written on it. He has a little way to go as there are 814 Wetherspoons in the UK. At the current rate that he visits a new one it will take him just over nine years to complete his aim. In 2023 pub fan David Bingham, then 60, celebrated completing his mission to visit all 875 Wetherspoons. He revealed he spent four years enjoying the 'longest pub crawl in history', often travelling thousands of miles every month. His final bar tab for his epic mission was close to £30,000, including travel fares, drinks and overnight stays. And he ended the epic task by visiting the final Spoons on his list – the Flying Horse at Gatwick Airport – and celebrating with a couple of pints of his favourite Heineken lager. The boozer is after the security barrier at Gatwick, meaning David had to buy an airline ticket before being allowed inside. He paid £18 for the cheapest flight to Shannon in Ireland and mingled with other passengers as he celebrated finishing his remarkable challenge. The retired forklift driver said: 'The cheapest air ticket I could get was to Shannon but I won't be flying anywhere, they don't even have a Wetherspoons so what's the point? It was the only way I could get to this pub but it's been worth it. "I quite like the Flying Horse but there are no toilets because it's an airport so you have to go back out to departures but it's busy with lots of excited travellers so there's a buzz about the place. I always know I'll get my favourite lager and I wasn't disappointed. "I've loved ticking the pubs off my list and to be honest I'd love to do it again. The last four years has taken me all over Britain and Ireland and I've met some amazing people along the way. I met legendary footballer John Barnes when he opened the Prense Well pub in the Wirral but the person I'd really like to meet is Tim Martin. 'I've been into several Spoons and when I told the staff why I was there they said I'd just missed Tim. My brother met him once and apparently he knows who I am but I'd love to meet him in person and have a pint with him. I've written to the company to request a tour of their headquarters in Watford. "I know it'll probably be offices but I'd love to see and thank everyone for doing such a great job. I just think Wetherspoons have breathed life into lovely old buildings and kept the cost of drinks down." David, from West Hallam, Derbys., came up with his Spoons challenge after his partner Una Cooper, 63, bought him a £3 Wetherspoon directory off eBay.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Manchester Marathon: Temperatures soar as record number complete 26.2 mile course
It was an unseasonably warm day in the North West on Sunday as 36,000 people contributed to the largest day of marathon running in UK history Record numbers battled the heat as 90,000 people took to the streets in the largest day of marathon running in UK history on Sunday. The adidas Manchester Marathon saw 36,000 participants take on the flat and fast course in the North West with its new-look finish line, while in the capital, 54,000 pounded the roads in unseasonably warm conditions. The hot weather did prove a hit with spectators, as more than 140,000 people soaked up the Manchester sun to cheer on those brave enough to take on the 26.2 mile challenge. Of the elite runners, Josh Griffiths was first home in a staggering time of 02:16:56, while Tessa McCormick clocked a standout time of 02:34:53 to win the women's race. Second place was claimed by Olivia Tsim, just seven months after having a baby. One of those to cross the impressive new-look finish line on Oxford Road, was Kelsey Sheridan, 28, who overcame being wheelchair-bound due to CFS/ME, to take part alongside her assistance dog, Hamble. Heroic Harry Newton, 87, holds the title of being the event's oldest participant this year which saw more than £4million raised for hundreds of worthy causes, with The Alzheimer's Society, The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and The Christie Charity the official charity partners. I was among the thousands of runners in the mass event, finishing in a more modest time of 02:59:24, taking two seconds off my personal best set in London 12 months ago. The pancake flat course with minimal elevation proved perfect for PB chasers, despite the soaring temperature, as the lively Mancunian crowd lined the streets to roar words of encouragement. After starting outside the iconic Old Trafford football stadium, the route made its way out of town towards Stretford and Altrincham before participants returned through Sale towards the finish. As well as those who turned out, another 110,000 people watched from afar via the marathon's live stream to get a glimpse of their loved ones crossing the line. More than 50 per cent of the participants were taking on their first-ever marathon, showing the growing popularity of the event. Andrew Smith, CEO of adidas Manchester Marathon organisers, A.S.O. UK, said: 'It has been nothing short of spectacular. Manchester has shown once again why it's one of the best cities to take on a marathon – welcoming, passionate and full of heart. "To see 36,000 people cross the finish line, many for the very first time, on the UK's biggest-ever day of marathon running, is incredibly special. "We're proud to celebrate this moment with the whole community – participants, volunteers, charities and supporters – who made this event so successful".
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Four simple ways to improve your heart health, as study finds it can lower dementia risk
With dementia cases expected to double every 20 years, rising from 55 million today to 139 million by 2050, scientists are increasingly focused on finding ways to slow cognitive decline. While you've probably read all about the benefits of daily brain training puzzles for sharpening your ticker, new research suggests that switching your attention to heart health could similarly preserve memory and thinking skills later in life. A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that older adults who maintain good cardiovascular health tend to show fewer signs of brain degeneration, suggesting a powerful link between cognitive decline and heart health. The study authors analysed the brain proteins of 5,470 participants aged over 65, finding that those with better heart health had lower levels of the proteins 'neurofilament light chain' and 'total tau' - two key biomarkers for the detection of Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, there's been an increasing shift towards the association between cardiovascular disease and dementia, with an earlier study suggesting that adopting better heart habits could slash the risk of dementia by up to 60%. And while no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, future-proofing your brain with healthy habits is a sensible way to set yourself up for cognitive longevity. We asked a GP to share their straightforward, science-backed ways to keep your ticker in top shape, so you can protect your grey matter in the process. In recent years, more of us have gravitated towards the weights room to reap the impressive benefits of strength training, which include better muscular strength and improved bone density. But if you're keen to keep your memory sharp over the decades, cardio should still retain a firm place in your weekly training routine. In fact, The British Heart Foundation recommends a mix of both aerobic exercise (think, jogging, swimming and cycling) as well as resistance training for optimal heart health. "Exercise really is the key to improving heart health," agrees Dr Mohamed Najjar of Jorja Healthcare Group. "Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart muscle, improving its ability to pull oxygen from the blood. iIt also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol that can strain the heart, reducing your overall risk of a heart attack." Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are a hot topic in the world of nutrition right now. Estimated to account for roughly 57% of the daily calories we consume in the UK, they're typically foods that have gone through multiple rounds of processing and include hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Good examples include biscuits, crisps and sweets, as well as certain types of meat products like sausages. "Limiting the amount of ultra-processed meats you eat is a good idea, as they tend to be high in sodium and saturated fat," explains Najjar. "Instead, try to focus on eating a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables and lean protein, and opt for choices low in sugar, salt and processing to manage risk factors like cholesterol and high blood pressure - both of which are major contributors to heart disease." Whether it's too many work deadlines or the juggle of parenting, chronic stress can raise blood pressure and negatively impact heart health. One way to find relief is to try transcendental meditation, a mindfulness technique developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi that involves repeating a mantra silently in your head. Studies have found that transcendental meditation can shift the brain into a state of restful awareness, with one 2017 analysis concluding that practising it regularly could reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure at a similar rate as other healthy lifestyle changes, such diet and exercise. 'Breathing deeply, or trying a relaxation technique such as meditation or yoga, can help to lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and helping to keep it healthy,' adds Najjar. While some studies have shown an association between moderate alcohol intake and a lower risk of dying from heart disease, experts are keen to stress that the key word is just that: 'moderate'. Several reviews have found that people who drink heavily or binge drink are not only more likely to develop heart disease, but they also put themselves at a higher risk of dementia too. In short, it's sensible to avoid overdoing it. "Excessive alcohol consumption is bad for heart health," notes Najjar, "as it's linked to high blood pressure, heart failure and cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle." Generally, the NHS recommends that men and women stick to drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol each week, spread across three days or more, with drink-free days sandwiched in between. What that looks like will depend on the type and strength of the drink, but it's roughly around six pints of medium-strength beer or six glasses of wine every seven days. Read more about heart health: 8 Brain And Heart Health Rules For A Longer Life (HuffPost, 2-min read) Heart disease warning as early deaths at highest rate in more than a decade (Sky News, 3-min read) Six exercises to keep your heart healthy after sitting for too long (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Four simple ways to improve your heart health, as study finds it can lower dementia risk
With dementia cases expected to double every 20 years, rising from 55 million today to 139 million by 2050, scientists are increasingly focused on finding ways to slow cognitive decline. While you've probably read all about the benefits of daily brain training puzzles for sharpening your ticker, new research suggests that switching your attention to heart health could similarly preserve memory and thinking skills later in life. A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that older adults who maintain good cardiovascular health tend to show fewer signs of brain degeneration, suggesting a powerful link between cognitive decline and heart health. The study authors analysed the brain proteins of 5,470 participants aged over 65, finding that those with better heart health had lower levels of the proteins 'neurofilament light chain' and 'total tau' - two key biomarkers for the detection of Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, there's been an increasing shift towards the association between cardiovascular disease and dementia, with an earlier study suggesting that adopting better heart habits could slash the risk of dementia by up to 60%. And while no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, future-proofing your brain with healthy habits is a sensible way to set yourself up for cognitive longevity. We asked a GP to share their straightforward, science-backed ways to keep your ticker in top shape, so you can protect your grey matter in the process. In recent years, more of us have gravitated towards the weights room to reap the impressive benefits of strength training, which include better muscular strength and improved bone density. But if you're keen to keep your memory sharp over the decades, cardio should still retain a firm place in your weekly training routine. In fact, The British Heart Foundation recommends a mix of both aerobic exercise (think, jogging, swimming and cycling) as well as resistance training for optimal heart health. "Exercise really is the key to improving heart health," agrees Dr Mohamed Najjar of Jorja Healthcare Group. "Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart muscle, improving its ability to pull oxygen from the blood. iIt also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol that can strain the heart, reducing your overall risk of a heart attack." Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are a hot topic in the world of nutrition right now. Estimated to account for roughly 57% of the daily calories we consume in the UK, they're typically foods that have gone through multiple rounds of processing and include hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Good examples include biscuits, crisps and sweets, as well as certain types of meat products like sausages. "Limiting the amount of ultra-processed meats you eat is a good idea, as they tend to be high in sodium and saturated fat," explains Najjar. "Instead, try to focus on eating a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables and lean protein, and opt for choices low in sugar, salt and processing to manage risk factors like cholesterol and high blood pressure - both of which are major contributors to heart disease." Whether it's too many work deadlines or the juggle of parenting, chronic stress can raise blood pressure and negatively impact heart health. One way to find relief is to try transcendental meditation, a mindfulness technique developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi that involves repeating a mantra silently in your head. Studies have found that transcendental meditation can shift the brain into a state of restful awareness, with one 2017 analysis concluding that practising it regularly could reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure at a similar rate as other healthy lifestyle changes, such diet and exercise. 'Breathing deeply, or trying a relaxation technique such as meditation or yoga, can help to lower blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and helping to keep it healthy,' adds Najjar. While some studies have shown an association between moderate alcohol intake and a lower risk of dying from heart disease, experts are keen to stress that the key word is just that: 'moderate'. Several reviews have found that people who drink heavily or binge drink are not only more likely to develop heart disease, but they also put themselves at a higher risk of dementia too. In short, it's sensible to avoid overdoing it. "Excessive alcohol consumption is bad for heart health," notes Najjar, "as it's linked to high blood pressure, heart failure and cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle." Generally, the NHS recommends that men and women stick to drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol each week, spread across three days or more, with drink-free days sandwiched in between. What that looks like will depend on the type and strength of the drink, but it's roughly around six pints of medium-strength beer or six glasses of wine every seven days. Read more about heart health: 8 Brain And Heart Health Rules For A Longer Life (HuffPost, 2-min read) Heart disease warning as early deaths at highest rate in more than a decade (Sky News, 3-min read) Six exercises to keep your heart healthy after sitting for too long (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Musicians to take to the stage for ‘exciting' charity show
A NUMBER of musicians will descend on Dudley for an 'exciting' evening of performances for two important causes. Organised by Gurcharan Bhujhangy and Nash Aujla, five local acts will be joining forces to raise money for The British Heart Foundation and Sanihi Sewa – a charity dedicated to tackling social isolation amongst the elderly. The 'ultimate Abba tribute band', Strictly Abba, the 'King' of the Black Country, Elvis tribute, Joe Elvis and Black-country Bhangra group, Bhangra Smash Up will be taking to the stage at the Grand 8, Dudley for an evening of musical fundraising. Bhangra Smash up will be taking to the stage (Image: Gurcharan Bhujhangy) Joining them will be The 3 Pioneers UK, RnR Entertainments and DJ Amrita, with the organisers saying they hope the night will 'bring local communities together.' Explaining the chosen charitable causes, Gurcharan Bhujhangy said: 'The British Heart Foundation is close to our hearts because we lost our dear father Dalbir Khanpur, from the legendary UK band Bhujhangy Group, due to a major heart attack in 2008 while at work. He was only 59 years old. 'We would love it if people could help and support to help us cure heart and circulatory disease and keep funding research that saves lives. Let's make a difference.' Nash Aujla added: 'Sanjhi Sewa was set up to tackle social isolation amongst the elderly. Strictly Abba will be getting everyone up and dancing (Image: Gurcharan Bhujhangy / EventBrite) "We hope this event we are arranging will bring together the local communities and help people make new friendships which will help tackle loneliness, with money raised used to fund more projects in the community.' Tickets to the event are available to purchase here. Taking place on Saturday, February 8, both Gurcharan and Nash hope to not only champion two amazing causes but also bring the Black Country community together through a night of music and dancing.
