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A teacher who was left
devastated by the sudden death of his 28-year-old friend during a half
marathon has raised thousands of pounds for charity.
Tom Naylor, 26, who
teaches business studies at Repton School, was competing in the 2003
Nottingham Robin Hood half marathon with a group of friends, including
Craig Johansen, when tragedy struck.
“Craig collapsed
mid-way through the race and died almost instantly,” said Tom, of Repton.
Despite showing no prior recognisable symptoms, Craig died from a
rare condition called Sudden Arrhythmic Death, which is the adult
equivalent of cot death.
After the death of his
friend, Tom decided to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY),
which works to raise awareness of sudden adult death syndrome, promotes
screening and provides support to the families of victims.
He thought an attempt at
the Flora London Marathon would provide him with an ideal opportunity to
boost CRY’s funds, and completed the 26-mile course in 4 hours 51
minutes.
Although he is still
collecting money in from sponsors and supporters, Tom believes his
marathon effort has raised over £10,000, with at least £1,700 coming
from staff, students and other friends at Repton School.
Tom said: “I am
thrilled with the generous donations that I have been given by members of
Craig’s family, my friends and colleagues at Repton School.
“CRY relies on
donations like these to increase awareness of sudden death in young people
and because of Craig I recognise the importance of the work they do.”
CRY was formed in May,
1995, and supports families who have lost friends and relatives under the
age of 35.
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