Not the Boston, London Marathon 2020

[p]** UPDATE - 28 AUGUST 2020 **[/p][p]Disappointingly the Boston Marathon was postponed and subsequently cancelled.[/p][p]When you read below you will understand this has become a quest for me and why I have always promised myself I will complete the race distance to 'earn' your sponsorship.[/p][p]In the last few days Boston has been completely cancelled BUT London has announced a virtual race for which I have signed up. I will now run the 26.2 miles on the 4th October 2020 giving you just a bit longer to sponsor me... 😉[/p][p][br][/p][p]In late 2016, on an ordinary weekday, a colleague named Chris Williamson complained of feeling unwell. He collapsed at his desk. Within hours Chris had died from an undiagnosed heart condition.[/p][p]Chris was also a friend. His death was sudden and unexpected because he was 33 years old. It was this fact, given we were the same age and our birthdays only weeks apart, that made his death so poignant to me. He left behind a young family, something I had too.[/p][p]Chris’ funeral was a true celebration of life. Donations were collected for a charity called Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). His memory has been honoured and remembered since, but I always wanted to do something more…[/p][p][br][/p][p][i]On the 19th of April 2020 I was due to run the Boston Marathon. 'Lockdown' got in the way of that, but now rescheduled(for 13 September 2020) and socially distanced, I will be running the Boston Marathon in memory of Chris Williamson and hope you will sponsor me to support CRY’s work:[/i][/p][p][br][/p][p]Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD. CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY funds specialist referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals.[/p][p]CRY seeks to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research, and supporting affected families.[/p][p][b]Support[/b] - The emotional impact of the sudden, seemingly inexplicable death of a young person on their family cannot be underestimated. CRY offers emotional and clinical support following a young sudden cardiac death.[/p][p][b]Screening[/b] - Screening to identify young people at risk is cost-effective when conducted correctly – the conditions can be treated, securing a future for those identified. All young people should have the choice to be tested.[/p][p]CRY offers subsidised ECG and Echocardiogram screening to all young people between the ages of 14 & 35.[/p][p][b]Research[/b] - CRY’s research programme gives us unique access to general population-based data, enabling comparisons between athletes, ethnicities and gender. Better understanding of what is normal for young people, can better identify and treat those at risk.[/p][p][b]Awareness[/b] - Awareness not only helps identify those at risk, but also ensures correct clinical practice when treating a young person with an inherited cardiac condition.[/p][p][url=http://www.c-r-y.org.uk/]www.c-r-y.org.uk[/url][/p][p]Cardiac Risk in the Young Registered charity number 1050845[/p][p][br][/p][p]Chris would have said, “Christ man, what you want to do that for?!?” Well, let’s see if we can make it worthwhile…[/p][p][br][/p][p]For every £50 I hope to raise, it can fund the screening of a young person.[/p][p]For £1000 it can fund a support day.[/p][p][br][/p][p]Thank you for reading and any support you may give.[/p][p][br][/p][p]Ryan[/p]