I have NEVER wanted to run!

I have never seen the appeal of running!

As others will attest to, the very idea of me running, has always been far from my mind.

THEN, One day a friend asked me to take part in a small charity run in the village where we live that she had set up. In memory of her father who had passed by sudden cardiac arrest. Of course, I said yes, to support her!! To show I cared!! I went and it was hard. Too hard. It wasnt even a long way to run. But, i struggled. During this very out of breath jog I came to realise that not only was I extremely unhealthy, but that, the strength one can find when doing something meaningful is actually a powerful thing. There's a MAGIC to doing something difficult through choice. I made it round and felt instantly proud. Proud of my friend, of the charity we were raising money for and of myself.

I started running every couple of days after that point. My friend was always with me and the distance became greater and greater. I soon found myself running alone at times and I knew in those moments that I was hooked. Thus starting my running adventure.

I'm proud to be running my first half marathon with that friend, but i'm prouder that we get to do it for such an incredible charity and in memory of my friends father and all the people who have suffered at the hands of such an unpredictable death.

I will run thinking of them all and i'm so incredibly grateful for all the support along the way : )

Sian

(A lover of Magic)

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

With your donation, CRY can reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) by working with cardiologists and family doctors to establish good practice and appropriate screening facilities to promote and protect the cardiac health of our young.

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