Dear friends

This year we have the following runners running the Hackney Half Marathon 2014 on the 22 June  to raise funds for the Chinese National Healthy Living Centre: 

James Beckett, General Manager – HIV, Sexual Health and Dermatology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Joshua Chan, Design Assurance Engineer, Intelligent Energy

Peter Chapman, Finance & Business Manager - Women’s Services; Neonatal, Children’s & Young People’s Services; HIV, Sexual Health & Dermatology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Tom Lam, Dementia support Project Co-ordinator, CNHLC

Dr. Wallace Tan, Consultant Physician, Care of the Elderly, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust

Vanessa Topp, General Manager – Women’s Services, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust

2 of them did the London BUPA 10k run two years ago, but this time they are trying harder. A half marathon is about 21km, which is more than doubled the distance of last time. 

We are asking for your kind donation in sponsoring us in the event, and your kindness will keep the six of them  (of various fitness levels) going throughout the journey even in face of severe exhaustion and various short/long-term body injuries, in the good name of charity.

The Chinese National Healthy Living Centre provides the Chinese speaking community in the UK with a wide range of services, including free medical consultation, Hepatitis B screening, regular Tai Chi classes, Steady & Stable (falls prevention) classes,  and group outing for the seniors, etc. 

Along with projects that directly benefit disadvantaged Chinese communities in the UK, the Centre has also been involved in activities that benefit the general population. For example, the Centre has now become an active campaigner for healthy Chinese cooking in the UK. Both our Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic and Tai Chi Class are well attended by non-Chinese people.

The CNHLC is a non-profit making organization with the main source of funding from the government.  A few services are threatened to be withdrawn due to lack of funding in the harsh economic climate. 

Every penny raised will be directly used in the provision and improvement of the service, which is particular important when the voluntary sector for the elderly and deprived is often not considered a priority on the agenda.

Many thanks.