Meet our runners

Alex Manfredi

Alex was 11 years old when he lost his dad to the complications arising from his heart condition.

He is running the marathon in memory of his father and hopes to raise critical awareness about heart health and support lifesaving research projects.

James Alexander

In 2022, James’ dad passed away from a heart attack after battling heart-related illnesses for a long time.

By running the marathon on what would have been his dad’s 74th birthday, he hopes to gather donations for pivotal research and raise awareness of heart diseases.

Lauren Moore

Lauren is running the marathon to support her coworker’s battle with a rare heart disease and in memory of her grandma who recently passed away from heart-related issues.

She aims to raise funds to empower research breakthroughs and new medical treatments.

Lillian Wong

In 2022, Lillian’s dad suffered a heart attack but made a strong recovery thanks to his brilliant doctors and nurses.

As a lifelong runner, her dad’s passion inspired her to participate in this marathon, seeing it as the perfect opportunity to combine his love for running with her support for a great cause.

 

Naomi Hawkins

Naomi is running the marathon as a tribute to her late brother-in-law who passed away from a cardiac arrest.

Inspired by her mum who ran the marathon last year, Naomi hopes to raise funds for vital heart research and community projects.

Shannon Bestwick

In 2018, Shannon learned during her 20-week scan that her son would be born with congenital heart disease. She is dedicating her run to her son and all the incredible doctors and nurses who helped save his life.

She hopes to give back by fundraising in support of medical advancements and much needed awareness of heart conditions.

Faye Curley

Faye’s dad had three blocked arteries requiring an urgent triple bypass surgery. While he has made a remarkable recovery today, she recalls his illness as an extremely difficult time for the whole family.

She hopes to fundraise for increased awareness of heart conditions and the development of vital heart research. 

Charlie Norton

In 2023, Charlie’s dad suffered from two heart attacks due to a significant blockage in his artery. Despite his healthy lifestyle, his dad carried a genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease.

Charlie aims to raise funds to expand current research into heart research and treatments.

Riccardo Cipriani

After losing his dear granddad to a heart attack years ago, Ric also suffered the sad loss of a friend and a colleague due to heart conditions.

He is a passionate musician who hopes to use his love for music to raise funds for heart health awareness.  

Chris Anderson

At 16, Chris lost his dad to an aortic dissection. Marking the 10th anniversary of his passing, Chris is running the marathon this year as a tribute to his memory.

His goal is to raise donations for preventing and treating heart diseases, in hope of saving families from the grief of losing their loved ones too soon.

Amish Arya

Amish’s family has a long history of heart disease, with his father undergoing two heart attacks, and both his grandfather and uncle sadly passing away from heart problems. He aims to fundraise in support of advancements in the prevention, treatment, and cure of heart diseases to protect families like his from the hardships caused by heart conditions. 

Chloe Burrows-Bryan

Chloe is running the marathon in honour of her grandad, who sadly passed away from heart issues, and her mum, who battles high cholesterol. For her, running has also played a significant role in her mental wellbeing journey.

By participating in the marathon, she aims to raise donations for research breakthroughs in heart disease prevention. 

Jess Mackinnon

In 2022, Jess lost her dear uncle to a heart attack. Though not a runner, Jess was determined to run the marathon in 2023 in his memory.

This year, she’s taken on a greater challenge, running two marathons in seven days; the Manchester Marathon followed by the London Marathon. She is dedicated to raising crucial funds in his honour, resolute in making him proud with every step she takes.

Lee Warrington

Lee’s dad was hospitalized for breathing difficulties, which later revealed that he had suffered a silent heart attack. His illness was challenging for the family as he underwent surgery, tests and spent weeks in the hospital.

From this, Lee realized the commonality of heart problems and their overwhelming impact on families. In running the marathon, he hopes to raise much needed awareness of heart diseases and fundraise for pioneering research.

Sarah McCay Tams

At 49, Sarah underwent a minor heart attack caused by stress. Unlike usual symptoms, she felt only slight tightness in her chest and shooting pains down her right arm.

Determined to prioritize her heart health, she’s dedicated herself to reducing stress. She’s running the marathon to raise awareness of how women’s heart attack symptoms can differ from men’s, hoping to empower women to recognise the signs and seek help.

Kirsten Baddeley

In 2022, Kirsten’s brother, Karl, passed away sadly from a cardiac arrest at the young age of 32. An incredible runner himself, he unfortunately had an undetected aortic valve disease.

Kirsten is running the marathon as a tribute to Karl and hopes to raise awareness and funds to support the vision of fighting this battle until there are no more deaths from heart diseases.

Alexandra Ricketts

In 2022, Alexandra’s son, Karl, passed away sadly from a cardiac arrest at the young age of 32. An incredible runner himself, he unfortunately had an undetected aortic valve disease.

Alexandra is running the marathon as a tribute to Karl and hopes to raise awareness and funds to fight this battle until there are no more deaths from heart diseases.

Sophie Larminie

Early last year, Sophie’s beloved father passed away unexpectedly from complications related to cardiomyopathy. She is taking on this massive challenge of running the marathon in his memory as a tribute to his life.

She aims to raise donations in support of life-saving medical research with the hope of keeping families together for longer. 

Katie Broughton

Katie is running the marathon in memory of her cousin’s son Ryan, who sadly passed away from undiagnosed heart disease at the age of 34.

She says, “Losing anyone to this is hard enough, but when you’re young and fit, you never expect it to happen. I was lucky enough to get a charity place to run for Heart Research UK, and hope by raising money and awareness, early diagnosis and treatment can save more lives.”