Staff ‘walk to work’

Health-conscious staff from the University of St Andrews will don their trainers or cycling shorts tomorrow (Wednesday 11th June, 2003) to take part in the University’s first fund- raising ‘Walk / Cycle to Work’ event.

The event, organised and encouraged by the University’s Staff Development team, will involve staff making their own way to St Andrews from places as far flung as Guardbridge, Ceres, Balmullo, Cupar, Wormit, Cellardyke, Perth, Aberdour and Dalgety Bay.

Participants will be sponsored and all money raised will be donated to Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, to enable them to enhance the services provided by their Cardiac Rehabilitation service.

The optional event was organised to co-incide with National Heart Week, as awareness of fitness and healthy lifestyles is promoted throughout the UK. Through the Walk/Cycle to Work Day, the University aims to: promote the value of active exercise for staff; demonstrate that a ‘car free’ journey to work is possible; improve awareness of the heart disease risk amongst all staff and raise additional funding for a valuable local cardiac rehab service.

It is one of the ‘fun at work’ initiatives within the University, with interests focused on the design of events for staff that promote social interaction, exercise, healthy lifestyles, personal development and a greater awareness of local environmental issues.

Sandy Wilkie, the University’s Staff Development Manager, said:

“This initiative came about after some informal discussions about building a sense of participation and fun in the workplace. We felt is was a useful idea to give staff an opportunity to do something different, in the process raising sponsorship for a valuable local cause and raising awareness about general fitness and health issues.”

Organisers have been keen to ensure a safe trip for all participants. Assistance from the University’s Community Officer, PC Val Craig, has been sought to ensure adequate safety guidance around all event logistics and a pre-event road safety briefing will be arranged. Organisers will also keep an eye on the progress of all individuals.

At the end of their trek, participants will meet at the University’s Sports Centre, where they will be welcomed by organisers and treated to warm showers and a healthy breakfast at New Hall before they embark on a day’s work.

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050103, or email [email protected] Ref: WALK TO WORK 100503 View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk