Brent travel writer tours London landmarks in race for charity
Brent resident Ola Fagbohun, 44, raced her way to good blood pressure health when she took part in the British 10K London Run in aid of UK charity the Blood Pressure Association (BPA).
Ola, an online travel writer, took to the capital’s streets on Sunday 11 July, and pounded past famous landmarks including Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.
Ola has a special reason for supporting the BPA as she herself has high blood pressure, and has a family history of the condition.
Ola said: “My mother had two strokes when she was in her 40s and I myself was diagnosed with high blood pressure when I was in my 30s, so I know first hand how important it is to keep your blood pressure under control.”
Running has really helped Ola to stabilise her blood pressure, which had previously been quite erratic, so she thought the 10K was the perfect opportunity to show her appreciation for a charity which has helped her to manage her health.
Ola said: “This is the third 10K I’ve raced in this year, as the exercise has been so good for my blood pressure, but this is the first time I have run for charity. Knowing I was supporting the Blood Pressure Association was a great motivator. The charity really helped me with its friendly advice, so now I want to support the BPA to help spread awareness of this important health issue.”
Ola continued: “I didn’t need to join a gym to train, I ran around the local area in Brent Parks and along the Grand Union canal, mixing up the routes so I didn’t get bored.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has sponsored me so far, and people can still donate by visiting: www.justgiving.com/Ola-Fagbohun."
Mike Rich, Executive Director of the Blood Pressure Association, said: “High blood pressure affects one in three of the UK’s adults, yet a third of these don’t even know they have the condition, putting them at serious risk of stroke and heart attack. Funds raised from events like the British 10K London Run make a huge difference to the work the BPA can undertake to help more people take control of their blood pressure.
“We’re delighted that Ola chose to run the London 10K in support of our charity, and we’d like to congratulate her on her fantastic achievement.”
For a free high blood pressure information pack, please visit www.bpassoc.org.uk or call 020 8772 4994.
Notes to editors:
- For further information please contact Anna Cureton at the Blood Pressure Association’s Press Office on 020 8772 4993 or at acureton@sgul.ac.uk
- The Blood Pressure Association is the UK’s leading blood pressure charity, providing information and support to people with high blood pressure and raising awareness about the prevention of the condition. For more information visit www.bpassoc.org.uk, or call 020 8772 4994.