Mike Heggs, a big presence in any situation, quick witted and outspoken, he'd have those around him in stitches. A 6 foot something huge expanse of a man, he was once a well renowned (and world record breaking) Rugby player. But most importantly, he was my Dad, our Dad. Behind the macho appearance was a hopeless softie, a sensitive and loving, childish, and irritatingly playful man! We adored him and he adored us.

On 24th August 1999, aged 47, he literally dropped dead in a second, whilst at work. No warning, no explanation, just like a light switch we were later told. I can't and don't want to describe that day, seeing my step mum, hugging my sisters (we were 21,19 and 14), the family together later. It will stay with me forever, as is the complete devastation that never goes away.

A post mortem showed Dad had a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a usually hereditary heart condition that was never detected. Ironically he'd been so well all his life, he'd never needed the kind of medical intervention that would have picked up on it. HCM is mostly found in children and young adults so it is surprising that Dad lived to 47. It's the condition that Fabrice Muamba was diagnosed with following his cardiac arrest on the football pitch, and there have been some break throughs in research recently (see article link at the end). Had he been diagnosed, Dad's condition would have been manageable, we wouldn't have lost him that day.  In 2004 it wasn't my Dad but his Dad, my Grandad that walked me down the aisle. Dad never met his sons in law, nor his 3 Granddaughters and Grandson (who we named after him).

So what now?

After 5 years of pain and indignity with my stupid ankle injury (#sf), an operation and an 8 month post op recovery (which is ongoing!), I swore if I could recover enough I would find a way to do something for this charity. I chose running as in 2013 a Podiatrist predicted I would never be able to run, and I'm very stubborn!

I'm running to raise money for BHF in the hope that vital research, awareness, diagnosis and support can be ongoing for those suffering the effects of Heart conditions.

On 18th October, with my lovely Dad in my heart, I ran in the BHF Hyde Park run, unsure if I'd do 5 or 10k due to my foot I did 10k with ease. It was painful in many ways but my motivation of my dad got me round with no trouble.

now I'm doing it again. I like medal bling and this isn't the nicest medal but it's the charity I feel is calling me. Unfortunately my ankle injury isn't improving and the treatment is undecided, so I will make the 10k if my foot allows, I know I can do it mentally and in terms of fitness so it's again 5 or 10k ankle allowing. Feb 13th watch this space!

Just by reading my story, donation or not, awareness has been raised already so thank you so, so much.

Sarah xxx

 (I now have proper gait measured running shoes (which my friend Ruth says are special needs!, and a brave sports bra to train properly!)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2712216/Fabrice-Muamba-s-heart-defect-discovered-paving-way-cure.html#ixzz39nLrjxWX 

https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/conditions/cardiomyopathy/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy.aspx 

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