Story
Thankyou for your time, Please help me to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. If you read on, you will see my reasons for running for CRY, & why I feel so strongly about their work.
Those of you that know me will know my passion for football & in particular Dover Athletic. In April 2005, one of our former players Paul Sykes died from heart problems whilst playing for Folkestone Invicta. Paul was only in his late 20s, & left a young family behind. It was during a benefit match between Dover & Margate at Folkestone Invicta's ground for Paul's family that I first heard of CRY & what their aims are.
Closer to home, my own brother Kevin died from heart complications in February 2004. He was only 39, & again left a young family behind. I have also had every possible test done on my heart to ensure I have not inherited any symptoms that took my brother at such a young age. As you can imagine, being in my 30's myself, it scared me witless!
Also back in 1991 a friend & colleague John Miller died of a heart attack at the age of 23 while playing football for Saga in Hythe, Kent. A game in which I was also playing in, & witnessed the tragedy first hand. What made John's case particuarly sad was the fact that his wife gave birth to their 2nd child 2 days after his death.
So as you can see, the lightning has struck very close to me far too often, so I ask you to please dig deep & support me in fulfilling a lifelong ambition in running the marathon, and also support a charity that needs every penny to raise awareness of heart conditions in young people.
Please take time to check out www.photo3.co.uk who provide a great photographic service in Kent for all needs, & were a generous donator to the cause.
Many thanks for your time & support.
Mark Jones
PS The Marathon has now been completed in 4 hours 48 mins. It was a fantastic experience & one that I definitely want to experience again.