Bbc 2 Health/science Series "don't Die Young" - Volunteer Needed

[rsingh]

Please contact the BBC Direct at Thomas.Ranson@bbc.co.uk

Dear Sir/Madam

I'm a researcher at BBC Birmingham and we're making a new health series for BBC Two called "Don't Die Young". The programmes will be presented by Dr Alice Roberts; a lecturer in anatomy at the University of Bristol and regular presenter on the BBC 2 series "Coast".

Each of the six episodes will focus on a different organ of the body; with episode three focusing on the kidneys. A common theme to all the programmes is that we hope to take a member of the public whose lifestyle puts them at high risk of developing organ damage and to then give them guidance on how best to avoid this.

The biggest cause of kidney disease in the UK is diabetes and a member of the South Asian population is four to five times more likely to develop the condition than a European. 25% of all Indo-Asian adults in the UK suffer type II diabetes.

We're looking for an individual at high risk of developing diabetes who would be really keen to lower this risk; the more engaging the personality the better. The risk factors for developing type II diabetes for a member of the Asian community are:

o being overweight

o having a close relative who is diabetic

o being over 25

o smoking

The filming will take roughly 4-5 days and all expenses will be covered. The experience should prove very positive for the individual involved and will hopefully help them maintain good health. The individual doesn't have to tick all of the above boxes but should tick a few (being overweight and smoking are the most important).

Any assistance would be much appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you and any of your members soon. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Best wishes

Tom Ranson

Researcher

Don't Die Young

BBC Birmingham

The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF

0121 567 6640 / 07711 913165