The Bolton Evening News has launched a major campaign to run for the whole of 2004: Fit for Life.

The campaign aims to educate and inform people so they can make wise choices about diet, health and fitness.

It was launched with a week-long series of articles, outlining the main issues facing the population as a whole, and in Bolton in particular, when it comes to health matters.

Heart disease is the town’s biggest killer and the campaign – put together by the newspaper’s features and news departments with the backing of Bolton’s health professionals and the education authority – featured a double-page spread showing what changes people can make to their lifestyle and diet to help prevent a fatal heart attack.

Editor Steve Hughes said the campaign did not intended to preach.

He said: “We are passionate about wanting to make a difference.

“Our aim is to let people make their own minds up after being presented with a wealth of information on all manner of subjects, from children’s health, to diet fads.

“We want to be seen as pro-active and educational. The aim is to inform people to help prevent younger generations from leading unhealthy lifestyles through ignorance.”

A local councillor has also taken up the Fit for Life challenge and is aiming to lose some of his 18st in weight, while writing a weekly column to keep readers updated on his progress.

In its first week the push focused on children’s health, lifting the lid on children’s lunchtime preferences at one local school where even the reception class pupils get in on the act by baking their own snacks every morning.

The Evening News plans to work closely with health and education bodies in the town to arrange events throughout the year that will raise the campaign’s profile and make a difference to the community.

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]