Gary & I are taking part in the London to Brighton challenge for the following reasons:

Miranda:  I will undertake this challenge to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of my dad (Chris), who died without any warning a few months ago of a massive heart attack. He was only 61 years old and appeared to be in great physical shape. His sudden death has rocked our close family to its core. My dad leaves behind a very close extended family and my mum Dawn (his doting wife of almost 40 years), myself and my two brothers and six very young grandchildren. 

This personal tragedy has made me determined to try and do something to raise awareness of the silent dangers of heart disease in our society, and hopefully prevent other families from suffering in the way that our family is right now. Heart disease is the UK's single biggest killer. 

My dad loved the outdoors and would have been 62 next year. Each mile I run will represent a year of his life. I only started running two years ago, shortly after giving birth to my third child and have never run more than 13 miles! This event will be the most physically and mentally challenging thing that I have ever attempted in my life.  However, my Dad was a great believer in doing your best to help others, and I think he would be pleased to know there was a way for some good for other families to come from his untimely death. 

Gary:  I am doing this challenge in memory of Chris & to help the British Heart Foundation continue its research.  Chris was one of my few Best Friends & that friendship became even closer when he met, fell totally in love with & married Dawn, (the sister of my wife Fiona).  Over the past 40 years Chris became inseparable from his wife & family and was a most loving, caring husband, father & grandfather.  Although Chris remained a ‘Best Friend’ to me he also managed to become a true friend and an inspiration to all who knew him.  However, the really amazing thing is, Chris never thought of himself that way. 

So, on the 24 May 2014 Miranda and I are going to attempt to RUN 62 Miles, (or 100KM) from London to Brighton.  We are doing this run to raise money for The British Heart Foundation and to give you all the opportunity to recognise the legacy that Chris left us.  Please consider giving a donation in memory of Chris and for the family which have been so cruelly denied the love, support and protection which Chris would have continued to give had he not been so suddenly taken from them.  Ultimately, my hope is that any donation received may one day help prevent another tradgedy afflicting a family who are currently unknowingly at risk of a sudden unexpected Heart Attack. 

Finally, I would like to assure you all that Miranda & I are funding all our costs ourselves, including all travelling & accommodation expenses at both London & Brighton, etc. so please dig deep and donate now, I promise every penny you donate will go directly to The British Heart Foundation. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. To Donate simply click on our Donate banner on this page.  Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.