On Sunday 13th September 2015, Sally and I will be taking part in the Great North Run to raise money for British Heart Foundation in loving memory of my Dad, Clive Wright.

Earlier this year, on February 5th 2015, my Dad was out on his bike when he suffered an aortic dissection. During an inquest in June, it was confirmed by a coroner that my Dad had died from natural causes due to the dissection. An aortic dissection is when the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart, tears. It is a fatal heart problem which is extremely difficult to detect and was something my Dad wasn’t aware of. Quite simply, it could have occurred at any time or any place. At the moment the aortic dissection happened, my Dad was stationary waiting for passing traffic in a single-path lane but it caused my Dad to collapse, falling under the trailer of a tractor. This obviously ruled out any chance of a recovery but, as the coroner confirmed, the cause of death was the aortic dissection. My Dad was just 67 years old.

After completing a successful career as a teacher and a headteacher, my Dad was enjoying his well-deserved retirement but, having never had any health issues before, his life was cruelly cut short. He has left an irreplaceable hole in all our lives. My Dad has played such an important role in my life that a future without him seems inconceivable at present. My Dad was my hero and, though he will no longer be around in person, he will continue to be the most influential figure in my life. I miss him every day.

Though it breaks my heart that my Dad won’t be there when Sally and I get married next year, he knew all our plans and he was delighted. Whilst it is something of an understatement to say that neither of us are runners, we aim to raise as much money as possible for British Heart Foundation. Being such a keen sportsman and fundraiser for various charities, the Great North Run would be a fitting way to remember my dad. The fact I spent five years of my life living in Newcastle and shared so many happy moments with my mum and dad in the North East just makes this event even more poignant. I know he will be with Sally and I every step of the way.

Whilst my Dad is no longer with us, the funds Sally and I raise will go towards fighting cardiovascular disease through world-class research. Thank you for taking the time to visit our page and please give generously – your donation will make a difference. Help the British Heart Foundation keep more hearts beating.