On the 6th December 2009 I'm doing a 5km run (wearing a Santa's outfit) at Greenwich Parl (London) as a fundraiser for the Cardiomyopathy Association (CMA).

Cardiomyopathy, which literally means "heart muscle disease," is the deterioration of the function of the actual heart muscle for any reason. Cardiomyopathy is the biggest cause of sudden death in people the age of 35. It is a disease that affects 1 in 500 people of all ages, including babies, and is often inherited. It has few onset symptoms, but if diagnosed can be treated successfully with drugs and surgery.

My brother, Chris, died of Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in 1997 when he was just 18. DCM is the most common form of cardiomyopathy, and one of the leading indications for heart transplantation. In DCM the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and cannot pump blood efficiently. Various doctors both in Malta and in the UK couldn’t give a diagnosis for my brother’s condition. A heart transplant was required, however due to my brother’s age (he was 18), lack of treatment and lack of transplant facilities, my brother didn’t make it.

That was 1997; things have changed in the past 11 years!! Nowadays more information, treatment and support is available around Cardiomyopathy. When diagnosed, such condition can usually be successfully treated with most people living long and full lives.

The Cardiomyopathy Association (CMA) is a registered charity (no 803262) that proved information and support to people affected by cardiomyopathy. The charity provides excellence in clinical practice by providing education for doctors and nurses, and funds nurses specialist in clinics in London, Glasgow, Belfast and Sheffield. The CMA campaigns for more heart checks and gene testing for affected families to find out who is at risk and to save lives.

I really believe in the work CMA is doing and am willing to support them both by fundraising money and by creating more awareness around Cardiomyopathy.

So please sponsor me now.

Thanks

Andrew

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Nb:
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cardiomyopathy Association gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.