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10K FOR 10K

As many of you now know, I am going to be running 10K on Sunday 17th April in Hyde Park in aid of 1000 Hearts for Harry a small grass roots charity set up by Debbie and Mario, in memory of their only son Harry who died very suddenly as a result of an undiagnosed heart condition.

As you can imagine, their sense of loss is immeasurable, no-one knew Harry had a heart problem, he was a fit and healthy 17yr old boy due to take his A-levels and take up a place at a university. There was no time for goodbyes and they found themselves comforting many of Harry’s friends as they came to terms with his sudden death. Through the pain and suffering, Debbie and Mario have found an amazing energy to help them through the dark days and after much research on “ young sudden cardiac death” syndrome as it is often referred to, they discovered the statistics were astonishing. 12 young people ( aged 14-35) die every week due to undetected heart conditions and simple cardiac screening would reduce this risk drastically. In Italy where cardio screening for young people who are involved in sporting activities from the age of 14 is compulsory, the risk has been reduced by 90%.

Through Debbie and Mario’s charity, 1000 Hearts for Harry, they aim to raise the £35,000 annually which would ensure 1000 young people receive access to cardiac screening. 100% of the money raised goes toward the screening programme. That’s not all they plan to do, they want to raise public awareness on a national level with the long-term goal of making cardiac screening compulsory in this country. Please do take the time to look at the websites so that you can read more on this charity and their amazing work:

www.1000heartsforharry.com

So for the first time ever, I  will be running a 10K in London and colleagues from BBC Sport will be running in Manchester. We want to raise as much money as possible and also raise public awareness. I am asking you for your support and help. Why? Because I worked with Debbie at BBC Sport, Harry was one year older than Meg, I have endured Meg’s stress through her A-levels and celebrated in her success, I lived through the 1st boyfriend, the 1st break up, I have watched her transform into a young and beautiful adult. I do not know what I would do if I lost a child and I am in complete awe that when tragedy and devastation struck Debbie and Mario, they made a decision to ensure that no other family would have to endure the same loss and pain so needlessly.

How can you donate and get involved? You can donate any amount through Just Giving outlined below. People can donate by texting JOJU66 You can get involved through social media too by using hashtag 10K4Harry. 

Thank you so much for reading my message and I will be updating you as to my progress in the run up to the 17th April. I am currently running 5K, it is not a pretty sight at all. No pain, no gain is my mantra and with your help, whilst I will be suffering, 1000 Hearts For Harry will gain.

Jo xxxxx