The Millennium Stadium welcomed people of all ages and abilities who joined a sponsored walk at the iconic venue today (Wednesday, 11 May) in aid of The Stroke Association.
Around 200 supporters joined the ‘Step out for Stroke’ challenge at the home of Welsh sport as part of the Millennium Stadium’s Community Events initiative, which offers its facilities to 15 community and charitable organisations in Wales each year.
A full programme of entertainment, including a gentle warm-up led by fitness experts, a martial arts display, a stadium tour and face painting for the children, helped the walkers to raise awareness and funds for the devastating condition that affects over 10,000 people annually in Wales.
Participants were also looking after their own health, reducing the risk of stroke through exercise as they walked around the 120m x 79m pitch and taking advantage of the free blood pressure testing on site.
Bridget Stadden, Regional Fundraising Manager in Wales from The Stroke Association, said: “Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK and around 11,000 have a stroke each year in Wales, and this Step Out walk has been an incredible opportunity to raise vital funds to help those touched by stroke.”
“We are very grateful to the Millennium Stadium for allowing us this Community Event and for all their support and we would like to thank everyone who supported The Stroke Association today by taking on this challenge, and achieving such brilliant results.”
Millennium Stadium General Manager Gerry Toms is thrilled that ‘Step out for Stroke’ returned to the venue, following the success of last year’s event which raised over £12,000.
“It gives me great pleasure to find so may people stepping out for stroke again this year to raise money for this important cause,” said Mr Toms.
“There is a superb feeling around this year’s event with the music and the warm-up exercises really getting people in the mood to walk even further than they had imagined around the pitch.
“I hope that this event continues to grow as it has done and wish the charity the best of luck with their fundraising efforts.”
‘Step out for Stroke’ is one of 15 Community Events that are staged at the stadium free of charge each year, except for direct costs incurred by the Millennium Stadium which will be borne by the event organisers.
The Stadium Manager invites any not-for-profit community organisation across Wales to apply to hold their event at the multi-event arena via the official website: www.millenniumstadium.com/communityevents
“’Community Events’ is a great opportunity for charitable organisations all over Wales to enjoy their national stadium facilities without the costs that commercial organisations face when bringing their events to the city centre,” said Toms.
“The events have been hugely successful over the years, attracting a range of positive activity, and we always encourage new ideas from new groups of people in Wales.”
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