Boehringer Ingelheim "Runs" to support vital programs in Diabetes and Stroke

Ingelheim, Germany 14 November 2014 – Keeping with the tradition of raising awareness amongst employees around disease areas and supporting programmes that have a positive global impact, Boehringer Ingelheim organized the first joint run between Metabolism and Cardiovascular therapeutic areas to support both the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) and the "Life for a Child Programme" of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The event was held on 11 November between World Stroke Day and World Diabetes Day and will see the two organisations receiving contributions of €15,000 each.

The event was born out of the "Run for Diabetes," which has been held for a number of years as the culmination of activities preceding World Diabetes Day. "We welcome the chance to raise awareness around both of these chronic areas internally by bringing together Metabolism and Cardiovascular and to support external campaigns targeting treatment," said Glyn Parkin, Head of Therapeutic Area Metabolism at Boehringer Ingelheim.

"Life for a Child" is helping to provide over 14,000 children and youth afflicted by diabetes in 46 countries in the developing world with life-saving clinical care and diabetes education.¹

The WSO’s aim is to "provide access to stroke care and to promote research and teaching in this area that will improve the care of stroke victims throughout the world."² Their mission is to reduce the global burden of stroke through prevention, treatment and long term care.

"We are pleased to promote living a healthy lifestyle amongst our colleagues through this event, as physical activity is one of the keys to preventing both diabetes and stroke in individuals," said Georg van Husen, Head of Therapeutic Area Cardiovascular at Boehringer Ingelheim. "Contributing to the WSO will facilitate educating more individuals on stroke-related issues."

Social responsibility is a central element of Boehringer Ingelheim's culture. Involvement in social projects, caring for employees and their families, and providing equal opportunities for all employees form the foundation of global operations. Mutual cooperation and respect, as well as environmental protection and sustainability are intrinsic factors in all of Boehringer Ingelheim’s endeavours.

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