Hi my name is Lauren and in 2014, my lovely Dad passed away suddenly whilst out cycling.

Despite roadside CPR, he passed shortly after his arrival to the hospital. He was 50 years old, the life and soul of the party, with so many friends, colleagues and family who adored him.

My dad was found to have a Type A aortic dissection. To this day only 50% of people survive this event, with over 2000 people per year losing their lives in the UK. He had no prior health conditions and was as fit as a fiddle, gyming 4/5 times a week. We never thought he’d be a number in those statistics.

In recent years, as the fog of grief began to clear, l have made it my mission to raise as much money and awareness as I can for the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust. My hope is that the money raised will prevent others from losing their lives early, and so that other families don’t have to go through what we did.

The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust is the UK and Ireland charity uniting patients, families and the medical community in a shared goal of improving diagnosis, increasing survival and reducing disability due to aortic dissection. Early detection, genetic testing and Emergency Service/ Department knowledge can be the difference between life and death.

My dad was big into fitness, and therefore with my joint love of this most of my fundraising has involved running. I have completed 2 marathons and 4 half marathons so far with many more in the pipeline. However with a passion for badly executed karaoke and shameless entertaining I’ve branched out to fundraising events and this may be where you found out about our story and this page. So HI if that’s the case!!

In February 2024 I organised a quiz and karaoke event which was beyond anything I could’ve imagined… raising over £4000!!! All those years ago me and Dad could not have predicted what life would look like... how amazing to say we have so much love and support surrounding us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I’m pleased to announce that we go again on 28th Feb 25 with our second event: ‘Disco Balls and Bingo calls’ and I can’t wait :)

As always, in loving memory of my wonderful dad Dino.