Hundreds of people will be taking part in a massive chair-based exercise session in a bid to get into the Guinness Book of World Records and to raise awareness about a sudden and serious illness.

And YOU can be part of it.

On Wednesday February 13, WLCT’s Active Living Team will take over Wigan’s Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre for an afternoon dedicated to creating greater local awareness about strokes – what they are, how they strike and what everyone can do to prevent them.

The team has joined forces with NHS Ashton, Leigh and Wigan, Stroke Association and Think Ahead Community Stroke Group to highlight what services and support are available for people in Wigan Borough.

Each year, more than 150,000 people across the country suffer a stroke, which is one person every five minutes. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. It is sudden and the effects, which include slurred speech, numbness, paralysis and even loss of sight, can be immediate.

Event organiser Debbie McCann from the Active Living Team, explains: “The number of people in Wigan Borough who have a stroke is slightly higher than the national average, which is why we want to improve people’s knowledge about the condition and the steps they can take to guard against stroke.

“Whilst stroke can affect people at any age, it is most common amongst people aged over 65. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, stopping smoking and cutting down on drinking can really help to guard against stroke and at the event we’ll be telling people all about some of the great ways they can take action, get in shape and feel better.”

Debbie adds: “One of the great ways of reducing your risk of stroke is through exercise. It’s also really beneficial for people who have suffered a stroke as part of the recovery process. This is why we are hoping to smash the World Record for the most people taking part in chair-based exercise. The current records stands at 262 but we are hoping to attract enough volunteers to beat this.”

The event starts at noon on Wednesday February 13 and everyone is invited. There will be free NHS health checks, information stalls from groups such as Think Ahead and the Stroke Association. There will be a special visit from Wigan Athletic’s mascots Phoenix and Blue and a chance to get advice from health professionals on how to reduce your risk of stroke.

The event, supported by UK Health Radio, will also give visitors the chance to try their hand at some fitness-focussed interactive gaming through X-Box and Wii-Fit as well as a chance to churn your own health drink on a special smoothie bike. There will be guest speakers and if you’re feeling peckish there’s even free hotpot and veggie hotpot!

Wigan Borough’s Director of Public Health Dr Kate Ardern is supporting the event. She says: “This is a great fun way to find out more about this serious condition and how you can take positive steps to improve your own health and wellbeing.

“It could also be your chance to get into the history books by being part of an actual World Record attempt. I would urge as many people as possible to come along to Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre for a great time and to support something that can help us all.”

The Wigan Stroke Awareness Event is FREE and you can book a place and volunteer for the World Record attempt by calling 01942 488481. You can also email the Active Living team on: activeliving@wlct.org or text STROKE and your name to 07860022929.