Top NI Chef and Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, Jenny Bristow, is inviting schools in Northern Ireland to take part in the biggest lunch break of 2012 – the Hearty Lunch, in aid of local health charity NI Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS). The best school Hearty Lunch will also win the great prize of a School Cookery demonstration by Jenny Bristow for pupils, staff or even as a fundraising event for the school, whatever the winning school prefers.

Jenny Bristow said: “The Hearty Lunch is a simple and easy way to support a great local charity like NICHS, everyone in Northern Ireland knows someone affected by chest heart and stroke illnesses. A quick and simple Hearty lunchtime event and collection for NICHS can go a long way to help rebuild lives.”

The Hearty Lunch is the perfect platform for fun and education as pupils can learn about health and life style in a fun and interactive way. The School Hearty Lunches can take place anytime in June, with the main hearty lunch day on the 15th June. NI Chest Heart and Stroke is asking schools be it all pupils, specific year groups, key stages or individual classes to have a Hearty Lunch, raise money and help rebuild the lives of people affected by chest heart and stroke illnesses.

Siobhan Hanley, NICHS Fundraising Director said: “The Hearty Lunch team have made it so simple to take part, and we know that school pupils will have great fun, learn more about their health, but most importantly, your school could make such a huge difference to those affected by chest, heart and stroke illnesses in your community. Heart disease is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest killers, and diet is central to health, – as you know, a healthy diet rich in fruit and veg is a protective against chronic illnesses, including heart disease and stroke. “

Teaching materials are available in the schools Hearty Lunch Pack to give schools all they need to hold a hearty lunch, with with stickers, balloons, recipes and fundraising ideas, to presentations, teaching ideas, notes and materials. Schools can devise their own healthy and nutritious Hearty Lunch Menu.

The Hearty Lunch is supported by O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar, Northern Ireland’s leading sandwich chain, O’Brien’s, Director Adrian Garvey said: “We are very pleased to be able to support the work of NI Chest Heart & Stroke and underline the importance of healthy eating. The Hearty Lunch is a fun way of supporting those affected by chest, heart and stroke illnesses.”

To register for the Hearty Lunch or for an information pack contact NICHS on 028 9032 0184, email events@nichs.org.uk or visit www.nichs.org.uk

PHOTO CAPTION: Jenny Bristow, Top NI Chef and Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, is inviting schools in Northern Ireland to take part in the Hearty Lunch, the biggest lunch break of 2012 in aid of local health charity NI Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS). She was joined by the charity’s Director of Fundraising, Siobhan Hanley (right). To find out more about taking part in the Hearty Lunch, visit www.nichs.org.uk.