Film including Dave Bennett and Micky Gynn is as part of the new 'Be there for the good times' campaign...
A short film capturing the memories of the Sky Blues’ thrilling 1987 FA cup victory will launch on social media today as part of a campaign to promote free NHS Health Checks to those aged between 40 - 74.
The film stars 1987 players, Dave Bennett and Micky Gynn, alongside a number of lifelong Sky Blues’ fans talking about the day when City made history by defeating Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 at Wembley.
The new ‘Be there for the good times’ campaign has been developed in partnership with Coventry City Council, Coventry City Football Club and Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust. It aims to encourage those aged between 40 – 74 to take up the free health MOT and keep their health in check so that they can continue to enjoy and share the things they love.
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, said, “The 1987 FA Cup Final was a wonderful day for our city and many Coventry people of a certain age will have special memories of it. I lived right near to the ground at the time and I remember the excitement when the team came back on the open top bus parade. As a very young child those early memories stay with you forever.
“Many of those who remember the match will be in their 40s, 50s and 60s now. By this age many of us have dramatically increased our risk of contracting diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, but by taking up a free NHS Health Check and making small changes we can dramatically increase the chances of staying healthy and active as we get older.”
Dave Bennett, who scored Coventry’s first goal after eight minutes and was voted man of the match in the 1987 game is backing the campaign and has taken up the opportunity of a Health Check himself. He said “I had my check-up at my local surgery. It was really thorough and they checked my bloods, my weight, my cholesterol, everything really.
“It has all come back fine, which is good to know and I would recommend the service to anyone.”
Karen Wagstaff, Lifestyle Service Manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “We are really excited by this campaign which we hope will appeal to many different people in the city. A free NHS Health Check can literally save your life by identifying any warning signs early and giving you the chance to make lifestyle changes. Its’ quick and easy – you just need to ask your GP.
She added, “We want all those Coventry City Football Club supporters to enjoy many more years of cheering on their team and sharing their passion with their children and grandchildren, by living a long and healthy life.”
CCFC Executive Vice Chairman Chris Anderson said: “This campaign will hopefully capture the imagination of the people of Coventry and help encourage people to take a health check.
“The 1987 FA Cup final was one of the most inspirational moments in the club’s history and to see the likes of Dave Bennett and Micky Gynn backing the campaign can only help get people in touch with their GP.”
CCFC Corporate Sales Manager Tynan Scope said: “We did the campaign last year and it was a great success.
"This year, we wanted to do something different and capture the attention of people of the City and Sky Blues’ fans, and nothing better does that than the 1987 FA Cup final.
"We're hopeful the video will inspire people to get in touch with their GP as many of our supporters who remember the 1987 FA Cup final are now at the age for the free health check."
All adults aged between 40 and 74 who have not had a Health Check in the last five years are eligible for the scheme and can get a check at their GP surgery or at one of several community venues across the city.
For more information about NHS Health Checks visit www.coventry.gov.uk/nhshealthcheck or call 024 7696 1590.
Watch the video below and get your NHS Health Check...