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Laura John (20) from
Southampton is taking part in a unique Virgin London Marathon challenge
– ‘26’ – organised by inspirational
fundraiser and patron of the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young)
Phil Packer. Representing CRY, Laura will be one of the ‘support
walkers’ each joining Phil for one mile of the 26 mile course to help
him complete the ‘26’ Challenge in 26 hours for 26 charities.
Laura is a member of
CRY’s Surgery Supporters Network and her part in this Challenge is
remarkable considering that only a few years ago she was warned she’d
never be able to take part in sporting activities again due to a
potentially fatal hereditary heart defect.
In 1996, Laura and her
sister Danielle (now 23) were identified as having Long QT Syndrome, a
potentially fatal heart condition, as a result of crucial screening.
Their mum, Julie, fought for her daughters to undergo the lifesaving
tests after their dad, Dave, died suddenly at the age of 32 from sudden
arrhythmia death syndrome (SADS).
Laura and her sister were
told to make dramatic changes to their lifestyle, stopping all sporting
activities immediately. It wasn’t until 2000, with the support of CRY,
that the sisters were fitted with lifesaving cardiac implants
that send an electric shock to stabilise the heart rhythm when an
irregular heart beat is detected.
It is stories like
Laura’s that have inspired Phil Packer to take up this latest
fundraising challenge. At 1000 hrs on Sunday 25th April, Phil will
start the Virgin London Marathon and finish 26 hours later at 1200 hrs
on Monday 26th April. To continue his intent and aim to inspire young
people with disability, deprived young people and to support injured
service personnel, he will walk each mile with a young person (aged
between 16 and 25) nominated by each charity, whose life has been
transformed as a result of the support they have received.
In the final 365 yards of
the London Marathon, Laura will join all 26 young people supporting
Phil’s challenge to cross the finish line together.
Laura comments; “It is
a real honour to be joining Phil to help him fulfil this challenge.
Thanks to the support of CRY, I have been lucky enough to join my
friends in leading an active and normal life. My doctors say that my
heart has been ‘re-started’ many times by my lifesaving cardiac implant
– and without it I wouldn’t be able exercise at all, let alone be
involved in such as world-renowned sporting event. As scared as I was
when I was first diagnosed, it has made me who I am today and I look
forward to each new adventure. I hope people will be able to support me
reach the fundraising target so that CRY can continue to provide support
and advice for other young people newly diagnosed with a
life-threatening heart condition.”
Phil Packer, who suffered
severe spinal cord injuries whilst serving in the Armed Forces in 2008,
has raised over £1.3 million for charity by rowing the English Channel,
walking the London Marathon over 14 days and hauling himself up El
Capitan (over 4, 250 pull ups in 3 days) all within a six month period
last year (2009). Recently he climbed the 3 Peaks for Sport Relief with
Kate Silverton in 96 hours.
Phil comments: “My own
personal journey over the past two years and the relationships I have
established with a number of charities, young people with disabilities
and their families, has increased my knowledge and understanding of the
challenges those living with disability face daily. There is a clear
need to provide inspiration and hope to young people. On completion of
the Virgin London Marathon, I am concentrating my efforts on building a
multi-million pound, eco-friendly British Centre of Excellence in
2012. The Centre, dynamic and unique, will be a conduit to enthuse and
inspire young people with disabilities.”
For more information on
Phil’s challenge, go to
www.philpacker.com.
Each charity will be
aiming towards a fundraising target and will have 26 days - April 1st to
April 26th - to try and reach this target. Donations can be made
in support of CRY by visiting
this Virgin Money Giving online donations page.
ENDS
For more information or
to arrange an interview / photo with Laura please contact Caroline
Beswick or Jo Hudson on 020 8786 3860 or email
caroline.beswick@trinitypr.co.uk
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