On the 18th October 2023, my Dad, Mark, died suddenly whilst walking the dogs. It was found he died of a rare irregular heart beat. His heart is now being used by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) for vital research into cardiac conditions, with the hope of reducing cardiac deaths in the future.

Anyone who knows me will know that running is not my forte. I applied to the Marathon thinking I'd never get in, along with my pro running husband... I got a space, he didn't... Dad was one of my biggest cheerleaders in life, along with Mum, so he'd tell me to smash it. He would be running in between check points along the route to keep me motivated, so I'll be thinking of him as I do it.

Any donation you can give, big or small, would be hugely appreciated, in order to support this incredible charity, and it'll give me the boost I need to cross the finish line - even if I'm the last one over!!

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD. CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY funds specialist referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals.