In memory of an unforgettable friend, and in aid of a most fitting charity in the circumstances, Alasdair and Gareth kindly seek your sponsorship and support as we embark on our first test of endurance (Gareth’s recent knee trouble permitting!). On Sunday 12th October we will take part in London 's inaugural half marathon, staged through the autumnal parks and, we hope, sunny streets of central London. This will be the first challenge of physical endurance that either of us have undertaken, and so we thought it only fitting to try and raise money for a charity that was, until recently, very unknown to us but whose invaluable work really has been brought to our attention in light of the tragic events of this summer. 

On 17th July this year our best friend, Simon McNamara, passed away from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). SADS is an umbrella term used to describe the many different causes of cardiac arrest in young people. Within the UK, the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) provides not only medical information on the most common causes of SADS, it also raises awareness of the symptoms of cardiac abnormalities and conditions which can lead to sudden cardiac death in under 35s whilst also emphasising the considerable amount that can be done to help young people who have been diagnosed as having a cardiac abnormality. CRY also supports medical research into sudden cardiac death and SADS, and offers counseling and support to families affected by sudden cardiac death. Therefore, we can not think of a charity more worthy of our support, than CRY. 

Not only was Simon a keen sportsman, he was always willing to take on new physical challenges and often in the name of very worthy causes. Whether competing in the Edinburgh Marathon or the Three Peaks Challenge, Simon never shied away from exertion and embraced each challenge head-on. In competing in London's first Half Marathon, we seek to not only follow in Simon's footsteps, having been inspired by him to push ourselves to new levels, but also to raise money to support the ongoing, less publicised yet very commendable and difficult work undertaken by CRY.
  
We have a minimum target of £1,200 between us but obviously we would like to surpass this if possible, so please give generously. For anyone who hasn't used this site before, please check the box to say you're a UK tax payer so CRY can get some money back from Alastair Darling's grubby little mitts. 

Thank you very much in advance for your generousity and support.

Gareth and Alasdair