On the 21st October 2024, our funny, beautiful and amazing niece Sophie died suddenly, leaving us all shocked and heartbroken. She was just 17 years old.

Sophie was born with a hole in her heart and was under constant cardiac care for her whole life.

Whilst finer details of the cause of death are still unclear, we would like to take part in the Great North Run half marathon in her memory and to raise money for the amazing charity, CRY.

For those who didn’t know her, Sophie was truly an amazing character who lit up the room with her smile, personality, humour and ability to make you laugh and shake your head at the same time.

She was my brother’s wonderful daughter, Thomas’s fantastic big sister and was totally adored by my girls.

For me and her uncle David, or AZ and UD, as she used to call us, she was the little girl who we had loved since the moment she was born. We loved her like a daughter and she never failed to make us smile, no matter what else was going on.

We haven’t run in a long time but Sophie is our inspiration to complete the half marathon. We will do it with Sophie in our hearts, knowing that she’ll be looking down with a smile on her face and a sarcastic comment or two!

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.