The British Heart Foundation is a charity that I care about greatly. When you consider that heart and circulatory diseases make up a quarter of all deaths in the UK every year, it is remarkable that in the time the BHF has existed, the number of UK deaths have been halved. However it remains the worlds biggest killer and there is still lots of work to do. 

Having been affected by the impact of heart and circulatory disease on two occasions in my life, I would like to try and help the BHF make further progress in the research and development of cures and treatments. 

My story is a little long, so please bear with me!

In 2018 my Dad suffered from a heart attack whilst at work with me. His life was saved by the most incredible work from the NHS and the teams at Harefield Hospital (a leading cardiovascular hopsital in the UK and Europe). 

As the reality of my Dad's long recovery became clear, what also became clear is that I would be thrown into the daunting task of running the family business instantly and most defintley before I was ready.

This is where Richard stepped in. During my Dad's recovery he managed to source the services of a very senior executive in our industry, who just so happened to have a few free months left before heading to Australia to his dream new job. 

I can categorically say that Richard's affect was immeasurable, a baptism of fire in many ways, and not just for me but for our whole company. A man that was painfully positive about everything and everyone, who made things happen instantly and made no excuses. He transformed us as individuals as well as a collective and in those few months we not only managed but prospered as people and a business. We couldn't have done it without him, I know I certainly couldn't have. 

Richard was one of those individuals who lifted everyone he crossed paths with and I gained a great friend and mentor. He pulled me, my family and our business together. Even after his move to Australia, we remained in regular contact and continued to work together.

Richard lost his life far too early to a cardiac arrest in 2021 during a beach walk in Australia. Something he did everyday. He was living his dream life in Australia with his family and had recently become a grandparent. 

His effect on people throughout his life couldn't have been clearer than at his funeral. Hundreds of people overflowing the venue, telling stories of how he had in someway made a positive impact on them. Something I will never forget.

I am going to be trying to run a sub 3 hour marathon for Rich in London in 2023 and hoping to raise as much money as possible for the British Heart Foundation so they can continue to research cures and treatments to help people have longer with their loved ones.

"If you believe you can, you will. If you believe you can't, you're right." Richard George.

The British Heart Foundation can only continue to keep funding life changing research with support from people like you. Every donation you make help funds scientific breakthroughs that can save and improve the lives of millions suffering from heart and circulatory diseases.The 2023 TCS London Marathon is set to be an event like any other. Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable journey with Team BHF.