I’m running the Manchester Marathon in memory of my Gramps, Thomas Thomson Blair, who died after a heart attack in August 2021.

I know far too many people who’ve been impacted by cardiovascular issues, but I’ve also seen first-hand the importance of the work the BHF do. Funding research, educating (including teaching CPR*) and supporting those affected by diagnosis and loss ultimately changes the world for the better.

I’ve never run a marathon before, but I know the challenge will be worth every mile. I take Gramps everywhere with me, through my name, Oscar Thompson** Blair, but I also hope to inherit a small part of his adventurous grit - for instance, when he was younger than I am now, he yomped 60 miles across the Falklands in 50 hours.

Running in Manchester won’t quite compare to the South Atlantic, but the money it raises will be a small step towards to a society with fewer cardiovascular deaths.

Any amount helps!

Oscar

*Realised you don’t know CPR? Take 10 mins out your day and go and learn the basics.

** Scottish discrepancy.