Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl helped Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke celebrate its 75th anniversary recently.

First established in 1946, the charity was formed by 16 visionary volunteers as the first NI branch of the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis. Changing its focus to concentrate on all diseases of the chest and heart in 1959, the charity further expanded to include stroke in 1976.

Today, 75 years on, NICHS continues to care for and support local people living with chest, heart and stroke illness across Northern Ireland.

To commemorate this landmark occasion, the charity is offering free health checks, open to all adults living in NI, at its Dublin Road headquarters for the remainder of the month of June.

The first to avail of the health checks this morning were Minister of Health Robin Swann and recently appointed Lord Mayor of Belfast Kate Nicholl.

Fidelma Carter, Head of Public Health at NICHS says, “We are delighted that both the Health Minister and Lord Mayor took the time to visit us on our anniversary, for a health check. It delivers a very clear message, that no matter how busy you are, it is so important to make your health a priority.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Kate Nicholl said; “Over the decades, the charity has made an enormous contribution, supporting communities across the country, and it is just as essential today. Having had my health check this morning, I can say it was really quick and easy; and I would encourage everyone to take 10 minutes out of your day and make your health a priority.”

NICHS’s free health checks include both a BP (Blood Pressure) check and a test for AF (Atrial Fibrillation – a type of irregular heartbeat).
Research demonstrates that for every 25 AF patients detected, and appropriately treated, one stroke will be prevented. And High Blood Pressure (HBP) is responsible for over half of all strokes and heart attacks.

The charity is also organising a free pop-up Health Check service for areas of greatest need across Northern Ireland from September onwards.