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Fun Runs for the British Heart Foundation

You may remember in late last year us talking about the very inspiring twin brothers, Jonathan and David Stretton-Downes, that have partnered with the British Heart Foundation to raise £100,000 in the space of a year.

The campaign, titled SIX TIMES OPEN, began after Jonathan discovered that he would be going under the knife for his sixth heart related surgery in 2017.

Throughout 2017 they have conducted numerous events and fundraising activities, with many friends and partners, to challenge and inspire in the fight for every heartbeat!

On Saturday 30th September, in support of World Heart Day, the brothers are taking part in a series of 5K fun runs in popular locations over the UK.

The runs will be taking place at 6 well-known locations across the UK, which are below;

Edinburgh 

Newcastle 

Bedale 

Leeds 

Nottingham 

London

If you would like to sign up and take part, just click on the location you would like to be a part of and you will be taken to the dedicated Facebook page.

We look forward to hearing all about it and seeing the pictures – good luck to all you runners out there!

For more information about the SIX TIMES OPEN campaign, head to the website: www.sixtimesopen.com 

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Exciting new campaign SIX TIMES OPEN in association with the British Heart Foundation

Twins, Jonathan and David Stretton-Downes, have partnered with the British Heart Foundation to launch an exciting campaign called SIX TIMES OPEN. The official launch happened in November and was attended by representatives from the BHF.

The story behind the campaign – early next year Jonathan will undergo his sixth open heart surgery at the young age of 28, both twins will inevitably live through the physical and emotional trauma which surrounds such invasive surgery. The campaign SIX TIMES OPEN along with the support of the British Heart Foundation aims to increase awareness of heart conditions while raising money for the charity, they are hoping to raise a total of £100,000!

The 12-month campaign, running through 2016/2017, will intimately follow Jonathan and David as they prepare mentally and physically for the roller-coaster of a sixth heart operation, through the surgery itself and along the harsh road to recovery.

The campaign also aims to inspire others in similar situations that events such as this don’t have to define who you are or dictate your life!

We aim to raise 100K for the British Heart Foundation through numerous events, activities and corporate partnerships. Events are already being planned to take place both nationally and internationally by talented and committed friends, corporate partners and key sponsors who are all passionate about this cause.

Watch this space for further updates!

www.sixtimesopen.com

Jonathan and David - SIX TIMES OPEN

Jonathan and David – SIX TIMES OPEN

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Introducing the British Skin Foundation

Established in 1996, the British Skin Foundation (BSF) was set up to raise money for research into skin disease and skin cancer. Our mission is to find cures and better treatments for all skin conditions. We receive no statutory funding, so fundraising is crucial to our work and has helped us to give out £15,000,000 in grants to top quality skin research over the past 20 years.

Research into infection and inflammatory mechanisms

The BSF has been influential in supportive outstanding research into inflammatory mechanisms in skin disease, most notably the seminal work into the role of filaggrin in ichthyosis and atopic eczema. The scope of our research programme has extended to other major inflammatory skin diseases. In psoriasis, sponsored research has investigated factors controlling the induction of therapy-induced remission and the mechanisms of drug action. In the bullous disorders, skin viral infections and cutaneous drug allergy, our investigators have examined the role of cell-mediated immunity in the induction of these diseases.

Population genetics and epidemiology

We recognise that studies on populations can contribute much to our knowledge of disease causation and morbidity. Our researchers have been active in this area in a variety of ways. They have investigated the genetic markers for inherited hyperkeratotic skin diseases, studied filaggrin gene mutations in atopic dermatitis, and defined important aspects indicating genetic susceptibility to psoriasis. The role of gut bacteria in the inflammatory skin diseases, notably atopic dermatitis, is a topic of particular current significance.

Cancer treatments and mechanism

The increasing prevalence of skin cancer and the concern of patients for effective treatments are recognised by the BSF through our funding of a full programme of research, spanning both mechanistic and therapeutic themes. BSF-sponsored investigators have highlighted new information on the role of human papilloma viruses in non-melanotic skin cancers and the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the induction of skin tumours. In malignant melanoma, researchers have looked at the role for vitamin D and other factors that are involved in cancer progression, and have been instrumental in the design of new therapeutic approaches to the disease.

Education is key

Although our main aim is to fund research, we also believe it’s important to campaign about important skin matters, in order to both raise awareness of the problems people face and to help to educate the general public. In recent times, we have focused on life and death matters such as melanoma skin cancer, to the dangers of sensitivity to para-phenylenediamine from so-called black henna temporary tattoos.

At the British Skin Foundation we know that skin disease doesn’t just affect the skin. It can have a huge impact on a person’s day-to-day life, crush self-confidence, restrict movement, lead to depression and put a huge strain on families as well as personal relationships. By raising awareness of common skin conditions, we hope to expand the nation’s understanding of skin disease and promote acceptance.

Our latest survey told us that 60% of the UK population have suffered or currently suffer with a skin disease – a stark reminder that our work isn’t over yet.

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Is eczema an election issue? NHS privatisation and the British dermatology crisis

A week before the country goes to the polls, dermatology provision in the UK is teetering on the brink of a major crisis. A report issued this week from an independent health think tank reveals the desperate lack of training for GPs in skin conditions and their treatment. But the …
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