"Family, Friends, Health and Love. These things don’t come with price tags, but when we lose them, we realise the cost” Anonymous 

Raising money for Cardiomyopathy UK 

February 9th, 2010 will always be etched in our memory. It was the day Dougie lost his wife and Pete lost his twin sister. 

Jane was only 32 when her life ended without warning when she suffered a cardiac arrest whilst swimming. Jane brought light to all who knew her. Moving forward with life and our deep personal loss has been a long and uphill battle. We have been extremely fortunate to have had the love and support of family, friends and colleagues helping us with the card that we have been dealt. 

In Jane's memory, 12 years after her death, Dougie and Pete are attempting to complete the 36th 2022 Marathon Des Sables (MDS) to raise money for Cardiomyopathy UK. Due to the COVID pandemic, we are running in March 2022.

This unique event is conducted annually and takes place in the Southern Sahara, Morocco. Over six days, 252km are covered in 47-50 degree daytime temperatures.  It is often described as the toughest footrace on earth.

Cardiomyopathy affects people of all ages. It is the number one medical cause of sudden death in the under 35s. Cardiomyopathy UK is the only UK charity dedicated to providing support and information to families affected by Cardiomyopathy. It receives no Government funding, and is instead supported through donations, bequeaths in wills and fundraising. 

My mother recently found Jane's final address as Head Girl of her school. She quoted the American poet Emerson "what lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us". I will hold onto that as we skip over the sand dunes and remember her.

Onwards, 

Dougie and Pete

 

PS A two minute news clip which provides a overview of the MDS for those that are interested  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LsbLj7L3L7M