In October 2024, we were all shocked and devastated to lose our amazing friend, brother, uncle, colleague, and all-round “good guy,” Andrew Darnell (Des).

Andrew’s birthday is on May 4th (May the Fourth be with you), and this year, we are coming together to remember him and celebrate what would have been his 47th birthday by raising money for The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust.

As well as our amazing friend, sadly around 2,000 people per year lose their lives to aortic dissection in the UK alone. The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust is a UK and Ireland-based charity that unites patients, families, and the medical community with the shared goal of improving diagnosis, increasing survival, and reducing disability due to aortic dissection.

https://aorticdissectioncharitabletrust.org/

As a tribute to Andrew, a group of around 30 of his family and close friends will be taking part in the Heaton Park 5k, 10k, Half Marathon & Juniors on May 4th, 2025.

This event will be a fantastic opportunity for our team, as we have a diverse range of ages, running experience, and abilities. Our group includes experienced half marathon and 10K runners, beginners, those following couch-to-5K programs, as well as younger teenagers and juniors."

We would love to raise as much as possible for the charity and come together to celebrate and remember Andrew on his birthday.

Thank you so much for your support as we prepare to run for Andrew on May the Fourth.