Many competitors in the London Marathon are taking part to raise money for the good work of charities that have affected their lives personally, writes Tony Green. 

Doug Paterson from Esher will be running the 26.2 mile route in memory of his brother James, who suddenly died in 2002 from a previously undetected heart condition.  James was a 24-year-old fit young man training to be a navigator in the RAF. 

This tragic loss was the initial reason why Doug decided to raise money and awareness of the Surrey-based charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). 

“The charity has been a great source of support for my family and it has been an absolute pleasure to give something back and generate some much-needed cash for the organisation,” said Doug. 

“Apart from my brother’s death I believe it is a very worthwhile charity to support because through screening it is possible to identify those at risk.  It is then relatively easy to take preventative measures to ensure that those individuals stay healthy and avoid cardiac problems.” 

CRY subsidises screening for people at risk and offers bereavement support for the families of young people who have died from cardiac abnormalities.  It is known that each week up to eight people die as a result of such conditions, but the number could be far greater. 

Surprisingly, the high-risk groups include athletes.  Doug’s brother died playing a five-a-side football match and was involved in sports and fitness training in the RAF. 

Because there is a potential genetic link to the condition that lead to his brother’s death Doug himself has been tested. 

“Fortunately I’m not affected” he said.  “Running a marathon wouldn’t be the smartest thing to do if I was at risk.” 

In 2003, Doug ran the New York marathon in three hours and 23 minutes.  On Sunday, he is hoping to complete the course in less than three hours. 

Through sponsorship, Doug is hoping to raise £4,000 for CRY.  “The fundraising is going particularly well,” he said.  “In particular I have been amazed by the generosity of the people that I work with and my company, GMAC – RFC, has amplified this generosity by agreeing the double the total amount of money I raise.” 

On the day of the marathon it will not be just financial support Doug will have.  “A lot of my friends intend to come along and cheer me on.  I have told everyone to try and locate themselves along the last 10 miles of the race as this is when you really need all the support you can get,” he said, adding: “It will also allow them a longer lie-in on Sunday morning.” 

To support Doug, send an e-mail to dougepaterson@hot-mail.com