On May 24th, I’ll be running the Edinburgh Half Marathon in memory of my dear friend Chris, who tragically and unexpectedly passed away in 2021 from an undiagnosed heart condition at just 15 years old.

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

That statistic is devastating - and it’s why I’m running for Cardiac Risk in the Young.

‘Christopher was 15 when he was suddenly and tragically taken from us having suffered a cardiac arrest due to what we later found out to be undiagnosed myocarditis. Christopher loved football, gaming, travelling and music. He was health conscious and developing a promising academic future. Christopher was loved and adored and growing into a happy and confident young man with his whole future ahead of him. Christopher's passing devastated family, friends and the wider community. To honour his memory, we raise funds for CRY who work to prevent others from suffering the loss of a much loved young person.’

Since Chris passed, a memorial fund has been set up in his name. Through this fund, many young people have already been screened for heart conditions that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. Lives are being protected in his memory.

Every kilometre I run is for Chris, and for every young person who deserves the chance to be checked, protected, and safe.

If you’re able to support, donate, or share, it would mean so much. 🫶