Chris took on the London Marathon 2024 for Heart Research UK.
On 20th December 2013, my father left work to begin the Christmas holidays. Me and my family went out for lunch, the first time the five of us were together in months. That afternoon, my father collapsed and died from an aortic dissection. I was the only one home, performed CPR and called emergency services. Telling my family to come home was one of the hardest moments of my life.
That night, everything changed. I was 16. Now 26, I’ve spent 10 years processing the loss, trauma, and painful ‘what ifs’. Through life’s milestones, careers, relationships, weddings, his absence is always felt.
My father was a devoted family man, always present at our activities, encouraging us to do our best and give back. His life was cut short too soon.
Hence, I ran the London Marathon 2024 for Heart Research UK. Heart Research UK funds pioneering cardiac research from prevention to cures. They support innovations in heart scanning and imaging to improve early diagnosis and treatment, advancements that might have saved my dad. Training for the marathon was hard, but doing it in memory of such an amazing man made it all possible.
Your precious gift will help to save lives in your community and across the UK.
Sharing your journey of living with or knowing someone who has had a heart condition is invaluable. Your experience inspires, helps and supports people across the UK.
Chris is a dedicated member of the Patient and Public Network. Driven by his personal experience of heart diseases, he hopes to help create a future where lesser lives are lost to heart diseases.
Gilbert is a dedicated member of the Patient and Public Network at Heart Research UK, helping build the future of innovation and patient care.
Peter is an active member of the Patient and Public Network, using his own experiences to help inspire the research that will support people in the years ahead.
Jaye is a member of the Patient and Public Network, using her lived experience to help shape the heart research of tomorrow.