Celebrity Chef Michael Moore Cooks for a Cure

Cooking up a cure in the shape of a PolyPill

Celebrity Chef Michael Moore shows support for cutting edge heart research

The next big medical breakthrough in heart disease could be as simple as sharing a meal with friends, family or workmates during the inaugural Cook for a Cure fundraising event this August 2011.

Registration is now open for the culinary inclined to support the 1.4million Australians who cannot live a full life due to the impact of heart disease and stroke.

Celebrity Chef Michael Moore, owner of Sydney's most iconic restaurant, the Summit is a stroke survivor and a proud Ambassador of The George Institute. "Having a stroke at the age of 45 was the most terrifying challenge that I have ever been confronted with. What's shocking is that a stroke can happen at any age, and is affecting up to 50,000 Australians each year," said Chef Michael Moore.

This is the first opportunity people will have to raise funds for The George Institute's innovative research into the PolyPill - a single pill that works to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The PolyPill eliminates the need for patients to take multiple pills everyday in the hope that they will prevent another heart attack or stroke.

"It's great to think that by simply cooking dinner for a group of family or friends and having fun doing it we can help support cutting edge Australian Research. The George Institute's work in the PolyPill is certainly impressive and on the precipice of delivering significant impact for many Australians living with heart disease or at risk of stroke", said Chef Michael Moore.

Cook for a Cure will raise funds to allow researchers at The George Institute to show if more people can stick to their medication on the PolyPill than the other multiple medications. This research will arm GPs with the information they need to effectively prescribe the PolyPill for Australian patients.

"Our research is focused on showing that the science behind the PolyPill can help patients stay on top of their medication and avoid subsequent heart attacks, strokes and death. The impact of this research will be quite significant", said Sue Murray Executive Director, The George Foundation for Global Health.

Stocking up on supplies for the event will see participants' fundraising dollars go even further, as online grocer Harvest to Home, will be supporting The George Institute during Cook for a Cure. A complete fresh produce shopping and home delivery service, Harvest to Home will contribute to the cause every time a Cook for a Cure participant places an order for their event. For more information, visit www.harvesttohome.com.au.

Cook for a Cure participants can host a breakfast, lunch or dinner, throw a BBQ, picnic, or simply hold a morning or afternoon tea with family, friends and work colleagues.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE - IT'S EASY!
· Log on to www.cookforacure.com.au to register and select 'heart disease and stroke' as the chosen area of support.
· Visit www.georgeinstitute.org.au for updates on the Cook for a Cure event, and tools to help organise your event.

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Michael Moore is an experienced and respected chef, starting out in some of London's best restaurants. Now 26 years into a career spanning 2 continents, Michael has owned and managed numerous top restaurants both in London and Australia including The Ritz Hotels London, Kables, Craigend, Hotel Nikko, The Bluebird London, Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House, Prunier's, Bonne Femme and Wildfire, Sydney. Michael has earned critical appraise on both sides of the globe, as well as a number of coveted media awards. Michael has appeared on television for the last seven years and is currently the chef and owner of the iconic Summit Restaurant and Bar in Sydney. www.michaelmoorechef.com

The George Institute for Global Health is an internationally-recognised health research organisation, undertaking high impact research across a broad health landscape. Affiliated with the University of Sydney, the Institute is a leader in the clinical trials, health policy and capacity-building areas. The Institute has a global network of top medical experts in a range of research fields as well as expertise in research design, project management and data and statistical analysis. With a respected voice among global policy makers, The Institute has attracted significant funding support from governments, philanthropic organisations and corporations. George Institute research is regularly published in the top tier of academic journals internationally. www.georgeinstitute.org.au

It is estimated that each year there are about 40,000-48,000 first-ever stroke events among Australians. Source: AIHW: Mather C, Vos T, Stevenson C 1999. The burden of disease and injury in Australia. AIHW cat. No. PHE 17. Canberra: AIHW.

Cook for a Cure is an umbrella event, hosted by Research Australia. Research Australia is a national not-for-profit alliance of 170 research, university, not-for-profit and industry partners with a common goal of supporting the growth of Australian health and medical research.