Thousands of runners pounding the pavements in this year’s Leeds Abbey Dash will help keep older people in the city warm.
The YEP-backed run will raise much-needed funds for Age UK’s Spread the Warmth campaign.
The campaign helps hundreds of thousands of older people keep warm and well during the colder months.
Fiona Jerman, special and challenge events manager in fundraising at Age UK, said: “We have just had the latest figures through from the Office for National Statistics that show that 350 older people in Leeds died needlessly last winter and the figure was 2,100 for Yorkshire and the Humber.
“We want this number to be brought down as much as possible so we need the people of Leeds to put on their trainers for the Leeds Abbey Dash.”
The charity aims to provide information, advice and practical services to help older people keep warm and well in the colder winter months.
This includes getting warm and nutritious meals to older people, helping to keep homes warm, and giving free information and advice 365 days a year.
Older people are urged to keep living room temperatures at 21 degrees centigrade, bedrooms at 18 degrees centigrade and to keep bedroom windows closed at night.
Some of the cash raised this year will also go towards delivering and supporting the befriending service offered by Age UK Leeds, which provides home visits from volunteers.
For free advice or to request a copy of the Winter Wrapped Up guide call Age UK on 0800 169 65 65.
Alternatively download the guide from: www.ageuk.org.uk
To sign up for the 10K Leeds Abbey Dash, or for the 2K race for younger runners, which will both take place on November 18, visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/dash or call 0800 169 8787.
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