Summarising a person like Oli in a few words feels almost impossible. Oli was one of the kindest people I've ever met in life. He was the person that no matter what would be on your side and would do whatever was needed to give you a hand. He was funny, he was honest and he was the best company to be around. The impact he had on those around him in too short a time was huge. 

This is why when I got a call from our friend Jay with the news that Oli was no longer with us, my heart sank. To lose someone so important at such a young age was really hard to take. Being in Australia, so far away from our tightknit group of friends, made it especially hard to process.

It is for this reason that, nearly 5 years later, I'm running this marathon on behalf of CRY in his memory.
I run to raise awareness about the amazing work that CRY does, which could prevent tragedies such as Oli's death from happening.

Here's a few words from Karen and Rob, his Mum and Dad: 

"Oli was our eldest son, our gentle giant. Oli was funny and supportive of his younger siblings, Guy and Georgia and he was our "family mediator". He could always take the heat out of a situation by making us laugh at ourselves, it was one of his greatest talents. Oli was always an athlete, a natural runner and great rugby player. 

It was a huge shock to come home one evening and find two policemen at the door with the worst possible news.
Oli had collapsed and died suddenly whilst out on a run after work that July evening. He was only 28."

Since that day, both Oli's family and friends have got behind CRY. They are a fantastic charity that aim to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death by working with cardiologists and family doctors. Their work is focused on establishing good practice and appropriate screening facilities to promote and protect the cardiac health of our young. 

Every week in the UK at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed cardiac conditions. By supporting CRY you will help save young lives from these potentially fatal cardiac conditions. See how your support can help by visiting www.c-r-y.org.uk .