Member Article

‘Chox away’ as health campaign wins staff support

A group of Sunderland workers have joined the UK’s first ever ‘de-chox’ challenge to support lifesaving heart research.

The Human Resources team at EDF Energy, based at Doxford International Business Park have pledged to give up their chocolate-based treats throughout March as part of the British Heart Foundation’s national ‘de-chox’ campaign.

Participants are required to cut out chocolate in any form, including chocolate sweets, biscuits, ice cream, cake and chocolate sprinkles in return for sponsorship, or donate fines for ‘cheating’, including £3 per chocolate bar and £5 for a dessert.

Emma Shearer, Community Investment Specialist at EDF Energy said: “As part of our healthy workplace approach we are always looking for new ways to encourage and support our staff to make sensible diet and lifestyle choices.

“Our work-based fit club worked so well last year because of the support everyone gave each other, and I think the same will apply to the ‘de-chox’ challenge.

“We are all looking forward to making healthier choices whilst raising money for an amazing charity which helps so many people across the UK.”

The British Heart Foundation reports that one in four UK deaths are linked to heart and circulatory disease every year and there are currently seven million people in the UK living with the condition.

Over 11,000 ‘de-choxers’ have so far signed up to the challenge, with the British Heart Foundation providing each with a ‘survival kit’ of healthy alternatives to chocolate, recipe ideas and how to combat cravings.

The British Heart Foundation is the largest independent researcher of heart and circulatory conditions, which are currently the UK’s biggest killer. The charity’s aim is to continue the fight through pioneering heart research, vital prevention and survival activity and ensuring quality care and support for everyone living with heart disease.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by EDF Energy .