Four teams of high octane, sports enthusiasts and property professionals from construction firm, Strategic Team Group, will be racing for the finish line as they take part in the first Strategic Lions Sports Challenge on Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May 2012. The four teams of cyclists, runners, golfers and footballers, aptly named Strategic Lions, will collectively be covering 2,000 miles as they race the length and breadth of the UK on foot and bikes, play 90 holes of golf and two back to back football matches all to raise funds for Help for Heroes and Ectodermal Dysplasia Society.
The team of eight cyclists, includes Strategic Team Group’s managing director, Andy Watson and contracts manager, Stewart Loben, Damian Bourke, owner of the Orthodontist Centre plus experienced Yorkshire based road racing cyclists, 11 times Best British All Round champion Kevin Dawson, double Olympian John Tanner, top UK time trialist and CX racer Keith Murray, TT racer Chris Last and UK domestic racer, Collin Humphrey.
The riders will pedal over 1,075 miles non-stop, from Lands End to John O’Groats, through some of the country’s most challenging, dramatic and iconic scenery in the legendary ‘end to end’ race in a bid to break 36 hours. Climbing some 20,000 metres and passing through Cheddar, Somerset; Clifford, Herefordshire; Wrexham; Kendal, Cumbria; Dumfries; West Kilbride, North Ayrshire and finally John O’Groats, the riders have the extra pressure of completing the distance in less time than it takes the runners to stride out from west to east coast.
Whilst the cyclists are pedalling south to north, the runners will be pounding the streets from west to east coast covering some 238 miles with the aim of finishing in under 36 hours, and hopefully beating the cyclists! Starting in Conway in North Wales and finishing at Flamborough Head, the team of eight runners who will each run 30 miles in total. The team, which includes Strategic Team Group’s business development director Charles Tweed, finance director Ian Bowness, customer care manager and team captain Phil Lee, company accountant Sam Pitchforth, site manager Paul Cocker, quantity surveyor Dean Myers, joiner Steve Tilford and Scotts UK sales manager Rhys Henderson, will follow B roads and country lanes from coast to coast.
Avid golfers, headed by Strategic Team Group’s operations director, Gary Taylor and including contracts manager Craig Bagshaw, estimator Phil Hoskin and quantity surveyor Grant Norman will be teeing off at five different golf courses in three different countries. Playing a staggering 90 holes each and travelling over 600 miles between courses, which include Vale of Llangollen Golf Club in Wales, Brampton Golf Club in Cumbria, Roxburghe Golf Club in Scotland, Slaley Hall in Northumberland and finishing at Rockliffe Hall in County Durham.
Meanwhile on Saturday 12th May, the footballers will play two back to back matches against a Select XI of Ossett Town Football Club and Dads of the Lads Team at Ingfield Stadium in Ossett. This event will be a full family day out which will also include the juniors from Ossett Town FC playing in between matches.
The team of 15 includes Strategic Team Group’s site manager, Andy Squires whose three year old son Bailey suffers from Ectodermal Dysplasia, estimating manager Leigh Edmondson, trainee estimator Tom Nicholson, contracts manager and Ossett Town Under 10s manager Lee Broadbent, regional operations manager Richard Marshall, surveyor James Holroyd, quantity surveyors John McNeil, Scott Campbell and Matt Bentley, estimator Daryl Henderson, site managers Lee Wright, Matt Hancock, Matt Wood and James Higgs plus apprentice joiner Sam Day.
All teams will have their own dedicated support crew, headed by crew chief and key account manager, Paul Danisz, who will drive ahead of the cyclists and runners, navigate the various routes, provide all the sustenance to fuel the athletes, plus a team of sports masseurs and physiotherapists, headed by sports physiotherapist Ian Morgan, will be on hand to relieve aching muscles throughout the duration of the 36 hours challenge.
The 36 Yorkshire athletes and their respective support crews are all pushing themselves to the limit to raise funds for two charities, which are close to their hearts. The first being Help for Heroes, the charity formed to help those who have become wounded, injured or sick in the current conflicts, which has committed to fund and lead the delivery of five regional Personnel Recovery Centres across the UK, including one at Catterick in North Yorkshire. Secondly, Ectodermal Dysplasia Society, which has played a huge role in helping and supporting Strategic Team Group site manager, Andy Squires and his family, as their young son, Bailey aged three, was diagnosed with the genetic disorder when he was just 14 months old.
Commenting on the mammoth challenge, Strategic Team Group’s managing director, Andy Watson said:
“It's not often that the chance to mix adrenaline-junkie style sports, work and raising funds for charity comes along, but our team of dedicated athletes and some who were not so athletic, immediately volunteered when we initially muted the idea of a weekend of extreme challenges. I’m so proud of all who are taking part, not just the athletes themselves but all the support crew, who have given up nights and weekends to train for this event.
“Our aim is to raise as much cash as possible to boost our chosen charity’s coffers, with the added benefit of aiming to be the fittest and healthiest property solutions firm in the UK. Hopefully we’re well on our way to achieving both goals!”
For further information on Strategic Team Group visit http://strategicteamgroup.com
To make a donation visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/sh...
Monday, 16 April 2012
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Helping Your Man Help Himself - New research and resources for Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week
New research highlights overwhelming psychological impact of testicular cancer and need for specialist support.
Following new research released by Orchid, the male cancer charity, for Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week (23-29 April 2012), highlighting the overwhelming psychological and emotional impact of testicular cancer, Orchid now offer further specialist support resources making it easier for men to take the first step to help themselves, seek quicker diagnosis and maximise the chance of successful treatment.
New research reveals that over two thirds of men (63%) are left so anxious and depressed following their testicular cancer diagnosis that they found it hard to socialise. Furthermore, 86% of men said their confidence and performance at work suffered as a result of their diagnosis and nearly 70% were worried about how their diagnosis would affect their relationship and sex life.
However, in spite of the overwhelming impact of this post-diagnosis anxiety and fear, nearly 40% of men delayed discussing how they were feeling with their partner and over a third (35%) waited at least a few weeks before going to see their GP, once they’d found a lump. This lack of communication and inability to seek help is potentially putting mens’ lives at risk.
In light of this new research, Orchid is launching a new testicular cancer booklet with support and input from patients and consultants to mark this years’ Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week (23-29 April 2012). Written by a male cancer nurse specialist, the booklet provides men with comprehensive advice on testicular cancer and aims to increase awareness of testicular health in general as well as providing support for men who have been diagnosed and are being treated for testicular cancer.
Orchid also now offers a confidential listening and support service staffed by specialist nurses providing advice as well as psychological and emotional support to help sufferers take the first vital step towards seeking treatment as well as providing ongoing support throughout their cancer experience. Research has shown that an overwhelming 81% of sufferers would welcome such specialist support.
Every year over 37,400 men will be diagnosed with a male specific cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in younger men aged between 15 and 45, and the rate is increasing. The most likely way this cancer can initially be identified is by finding a lump or change in the testicle. In over 25% of cases, the cancer has already spread by the time of diagnosis but, if caught at an early stage, the probability of a successful cure is more than 98% .
Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive of Orchid comments: “Male cancer awareness is a significant problem in the UK today and it can still be a challenge to get men to take their health seriously. As this research shows, we all have a role to play in working together to fight male cancer whether it’s to encourage self-checks or to seek medical advice and information. We’re calling on all friends and team mates as well as close family and partners to be proactive in encouraging the man in their lives – their husband, father, son, brother – to be more male cancer aware.”
If you would like more information about Orchid and details about how you can fight male cancer or raise funds for research into male specific cancers, visit www.orchid-cancer.org.uk for more details.
Following new research released by Orchid, the male cancer charity, for Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week (23-29 April 2012), highlighting the overwhelming psychological and emotional impact of testicular cancer, Orchid now offer further specialist support resources making it easier for men to take the first step to help themselves, seek quicker diagnosis and maximise the chance of successful treatment.
New research reveals that over two thirds of men (63%) are left so anxious and depressed following their testicular cancer diagnosis that they found it hard to socialise. Furthermore, 86% of men said their confidence and performance at work suffered as a result of their diagnosis and nearly 70% were worried about how their diagnosis would affect their relationship and sex life.
However, in spite of the overwhelming impact of this post-diagnosis anxiety and fear, nearly 40% of men delayed discussing how they were feeling with their partner and over a third (35%) waited at least a few weeks before going to see their GP, once they’d found a lump. This lack of communication and inability to seek help is potentially putting mens’ lives at risk.
In light of this new research, Orchid is launching a new testicular cancer booklet with support and input from patients and consultants to mark this years’ Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week (23-29 April 2012). Written by a male cancer nurse specialist, the booklet provides men with comprehensive advice on testicular cancer and aims to increase awareness of testicular health in general as well as providing support for men who have been diagnosed and are being treated for testicular cancer.
Orchid also now offers a confidential listening and support service staffed by specialist nurses providing advice as well as psychological and emotional support to help sufferers take the first vital step towards seeking treatment as well as providing ongoing support throughout their cancer experience. Research has shown that an overwhelming 81% of sufferers would welcome such specialist support.
Every year over 37,400 men will be diagnosed with a male specific cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in younger men aged between 15 and 45, and the rate is increasing. The most likely way this cancer can initially be identified is by finding a lump or change in the testicle. In over 25% of cases, the cancer has already spread by the time of diagnosis but, if caught at an early stage, the probability of a successful cure is more than 98% .
Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive of Orchid comments: “Male cancer awareness is a significant problem in the UK today and it can still be a challenge to get men to take their health seriously. As this research shows, we all have a role to play in working together to fight male cancer whether it’s to encourage self-checks or to seek medical advice and information. We’re calling on all friends and team mates as well as close family and partners to be proactive in encouraging the man in their lives – their husband, father, son, brother – to be more male cancer aware.”
If you would like more information about Orchid and details about how you can fight male cancer or raise funds for research into male specific cancers, visit www.orchid-cancer.org.uk for more details.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
cGMP Quality Award: Industry First for Intellicig
The award of a Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Compliance by the UK Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to CN Creative, is also great news for customers and business partners of Intellicig – the leading UK producer and supplier of high quality electronic cigarettes and nicotine preparations.
The cGMP award puts Intellicig’s manufacturing quality standards on an equal footing with those for pharmaceutical and NRT products – a first for an electronic cigarette.
This latest cGMP award is formal recognition that the organisation has a Quality Management System conforming fully to objectives and principles of EU Good Manufacturing Practice.
Customers for Intellicig Electronic Cigarettes can now be sure that the ECOpure Liquid Nicotine they use has not only been created in an ISO Class 8 Clean Room from pharmacopeia sourced ingredients, but has also been created in the UK to exacting cGMP quality management standards – well in advance of the minimum level of quality required by UK Trading Standards.
Intellicig’s UK Business Partners – a distribution channel of some 5000 pharmacies and retail outlets – can also benefit from the added reassurance that the award from the MHRA brings. This is further evidence to the marketplace that Intellicig products are manufactured in the UK to the very highest standards of quality control. Formal MHRA recognition of cGMP compliance is a great ‘u.s.p.’ for Intellicig’s Business Partners–particularly the pharmacies – giving retailers real confidence in the products they are stocking.
Announcing the award at Intellicig’s R&D Facility within the Bioscience Incubator at Manchester University, Company Director David Newns said: “I’m delighted with the award. A large amount of resource in both time and money has been committed to achieve this, including employing a world-class in-house quality control department led by such a respected industry figure as Laboratory & Regulatory Manager David Lawson. It’s been a very worthwhile investment which is already delivering real benefits for Intellicig’s customers and business partners.”
Reducing the harm caused by smoking: delivering the benefits of consistent quality David Newns went on to say that: “We are already the foremost producer and supplier of high quality electronic cigarettes and nicotine preparations which provide a genuine, healthier alternative to smoking, but without the tar and many thousands of other harmful ingredients found in tobacco products.
"We now deliver a consistent, cost-effective product fully compliant with EU Good Manufacturing Practice. In a market of questionable quality, with many products coming in from outside the EU which barely meet minimum UK Trading Standards requirements, we are proud to be producing the first e-cig manufactured to the same exacting standard as a pharmaceutical product. Once again, Intellicig is setting the standard for the industry.”
Intellicig delivers pharmaceutical-grade nicotine using advanced electronic vaporisation technology, significantly reducing the exposure of smokers to harmful tobacco smoke.
Intellicig is a global smoking alternative now sold in 24 countries and across a number of distribution channels including 8,000 pharmacies and retail stores.
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
H2Open Day attracts big names in open water swimming
The top names in open water swimming are lined up to take part in H2Open Day on 28 April at the Reading Lake Hotel – a unique day of open water swimming activities and the first event of its kind. Powerbreathe is the latest high profile company to confirm participation and are offering all visitors a chance to win a Powerbreathe K2 inspiratory muscle trainer worth £274.99 by reserving their place before 15 April. Powerbreathe joins retailers Mailsports and My Sporting Times, stockists of major brands 2XU, BlueSeventy and Orca; swim holiday specialists SwimTrek, Big Blue, and Strel Swimming Adventures; and organisations BLDSA, NOWCA and the Outdoor Swimming Society as those open water swim specialists already signed up.
Top coaches including Dan Bullock and Rick Kiddle and will be leading coached open water sessions and demonstration swims whilst high profile speakers including Fiona Ford and Steve Casson, both now Swim Smooth certified coaches, Nick Adams, President of the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation, Colin Hill, Marathon Swimming Technical Manager for the 2012 Olympic Games, Mark Bayliss, ultra-endurance athlete and Joel Enoch, sports scientist and H2Open nutrition editor will be delivering a programme of talks on a broad range of open water swimming related topics.
With equipment and services displays, kit testing, hiring and buying, swimming, demonstrations coaching, seminars, a season-opener 750m no-pressure timed practice swim and concluding with the inaugural H2Open Awards presentation ceremony, H2Open Day offers a ‘taste’ to those who are new to swimming in open water and an opportunity for the more experienced swimmer or triathlete to have an early season swim, to learn from the experts and to see what products and services are new to the market.
For more information, to participate in the H2Open Day, to sponsor or exhibit, visit www.h2openmagazine.com or contact Simon Griffiths on simon.griffiths@h2openmagazine.com or phone 07958 312607
Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/H2Open-Events/411366448880290
FACTFILE:
Launched in February 2011 by independent publisher ZG Publishing Ltd, H2Open is the world’s first dedicated open water swimming magazine. Designed to appeal to all lovers of open water from freedom loving wild swimmers to competitive masters and English Channel aspirants the magazine offers a mixture of inspirational features, training advice, gear reviews and nutritional tips.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
How Jenny Craig “eggs on” dieters over Easter
JENNY CRAIG dietitian Jacqui Morrell says: “To keep morale high and so dieters don’t feel deprived, we suggest that dieters can treat themselves from time to time. The trick is not to overdose on treats and to keep in mind that there is more to Easter than chocolate.” The weight loss experts have put together the following Easter Survival Manifesto to help people with their diet plans during Easter.
1. Easter is the end of Lent, so don’t start indulging before Easter Day.
2. Egg yourself on to reach a specific goal that you would like to achieve before Easter. Aim for a weight loss of 1 to 2lbs per week.
3. One Hot Cross Bun is the equivalent of two slices of bread and contains a lot less fat than a croissant.
4. Authentic Easter eggs are decorated boiled eggs. This chocolate free variety is wonderful at the breakfast table. For inspiration, look up how the Orthodox Greeks dye their eggs red with onion skins.
5. Outdoor egg hunts are a fun way to burn a couple of extra calories.
6. The key to effective portion control is: quality over quantity.
7. Bonnets, bunnies, chicken! Have some fun and get active by making some Easter decorations with your kids.
8. Think about the whole experience when you eat your Easter treat. Take time to unwrap it and enjoy it!
9. Share your treats, so there is less for you!
10. To avoid temptation, give away your leftover treats after Easter Monday.
One of the leading weight management programmes in the US, JENNY CRAIG’s unique Mind-Food-Body approach combines delicious home delivered food with weekly one-to-one consultations. JENNY CRAIG has had more than 5 million clients over the past 10 years in US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and launched in the UK in April 2010.
JENNY CRAIG costs from £11 per week. For more information contact 0800 088 2034 or visit http://www.jennycraig.co.uk.
That's Books: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying - The book that ...
That's Books: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying - The book that ...: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying : A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing, Hay House , £10.99 by Bronnie Ware After too many years o...
Monday, 2 April 2012
McTimoney Chiropractic Association launches new patient videos
The McTimoney Chiropractic Association
The videos are designed to actively engage patients by giving them information about the McTimoney Chiropractic technique.
The set of videos brings to life patient experiences, thereby offering explanation and clarification of the use of the McTimoney Chiropractic technique. Each video covers a different topic area including an overview, McTimoney chiropractic for Animals, Sports Chiropractic and chiropractic for Families.
The introductory video, which is now available to view on the website, explains what to expect at your first visit and in on-going sessions as well as the value of chiropractic care for all the family, from babies to older people. As well all the explanatory videos, patients describe the benefits of the treatment to their specific needs. As the technique has also been proven to be very effective for animals, some shots and descriptions include both competition animals and family pets.
The second short film details the use of the McTimoney chiropractic method for sports people of all levels, whether already in training, pre-training or recovering from injury. If the patient is interested in either recreational sports or full training as a professional athlete, McTimoney chiropractic can provide immense benefits.
The third video outlines the use of the chiropractic technique for sporting animals and pets, with the owners describing in their own words the benefits and changes to their animals following treatment. For the sports animal, owners explain how their animal becomes more supple and balanced, and is therefore able to perform better and for longer, with resulting higher marks. For pets, the owners concentrate on keeping their animals healthy and happy and this focus is clearly explained.
The final video describes the work of the McTimoney Chiropractor in helping children, babies and pregnant mothers. We hear from parents, young people and pregnant mothers about the benefits they have seen or felt after receiving treatment.
The website will be updated with the remaining videos in the series over the next few weeks.
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