Every week in the UK at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed cardiac conditions.

My friend and running buddy Rob, who intentionally or not! originally planted the seed in my head about running this marathon, tragically lost his sister Kate in August 2019, she was only 29, with 3 young children and although she had been diagnosed with what was believed to be a minor heart condition, like Rob, there were no signs that something serious could occur so suddenly.

In 2015, Dan Hughes, a local lad also died suddenly at just 28 years old. There were no warning signs, no chest pains, no headaches, no lack of breath or anything to indicate that he was going to lose his life so suddenly. He was a very fit young man, as a postman he was walking 5 miles per day.

Dan's family have campaigned tirelessly since that day to raise awareness, and through a fund set up in Dan's name have raised over £355,000 to provide cardiac screening for young people in the local area, a van containing an ECG machine to provide mobile screening, and contributions towards training a doctor.

I am running the Manchester Marathon to raise funds for the Dan Hughes Memorial Fund to continue this vital work rasing money for CRY.

By supporting CRY you will help save young lives from these potentially fatal cardiac conditions. See how your support can help by visiting www.c-r-y.org.uk