"Chris was an elite athlete who competed internationally in the 400m and the bobsled team for the NAGANO Olympics where he would have participated had he not ruptured his achilles in the final week of training.
He was born with a genetic abnormality which caused muscle cells in the heart to be fragile and easily damaged. Given his underlying cardiac problem it was remarkable that he was able to compete at the highest level.
The condition he had was not rare. At lease one in five hundred adults worldwide would be afflicted by one or other type of inherited heart muscle disease. These conditions are recognised to be the major causes of sudden death in young athletes (who push themselves to the limits) as well as being the major reason for young individuals to require a heart transplant."
William J McKenna—Professor of Cardiology
On Friday 11 November myself and 30 of Chris' friends will be running the 2nd annual 5K and 10K women's run in memory of Chris. The UAE Athletics Federation promotes a healthy life style via running, jogging and walking.
Thankyou in anticipation of your support
Louise Ajala nee Gilmartin
Losing my husband of 6 months has tested every part of me to the limit.
I was fortunate to be part of an amazing mans life whose passion for sport was an integral part of who he was.
I know nothing will ever bring Chris back but we have the opportunity to contribute to a cause that can in time prevent another young death.
A huge thankyou to all those that ran and supported Chris today and a special thankyou to Sheena, Kat, Bella, Karen, Denise, Sarah, Kristina, Karen, Clive, Lizzy, Nicky, Rhianna, Joanne, Dessi, Gerald, Callum, Paul, Eleanor, Charis, Annabelle and Phillipa.
