ANYONE feeling the effects of an over-indulgent Christmas is invited to get in shape and raise money for charity at the same time.

The Stroke Association is encouraging people to make a New Year’s pledge, by signing up a 5k, 10k or 15k Resolution Run at which will take place on Sunday, April 2 at Lydiard Park.

The event is one of 31 fundraising Resolution Runs taking place across the UK this spring. The runs provide the perfect motivation to get in shape after Christmas, while helping to raise vital funds to conquer stroke.

Jen Griffiths, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association said: “A Resolution Run is exactly that – a resolution for the New Year that counts. It's the ideal event if you want to get more active in 2017, while having fun.

Our runs are held all across the UK and you can choose your distance. The events are open to all ages and abilities, and participants can run, jog or walk the routes.

“We’ll also provide a full training guide to help keep Resolution Runners on track every step of the way. By training and taking part in the runs, you’ll be helping to reduce your own risk of stroke while raising awareness and money to support those already affected by the condition.”

At least half of strokes could be prevented if people made simple lifestyle changes, such as keeping blood pressure under control, eating healthily and taking regular exercise. The money raised through the Resolution Run will help the Stroke Association to fund vital research and support people affected by stroke in Swindon.”

The event starts at 11am. Entry fee is just £15 and runners receive a technical running t-shirt and medal. For more information about entering or volunteering at the Resolution Run, visit www.stroke.org.uk/resolution, email resolution@stroke.org.uk or call 0300 330 0740.

*A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is a leading cause of disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.