Three local men are preparing to run the London and Belfast Marathons later this year to raise money for the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). 

The trio - George McAlpin, Michael Logan and Gary McGrotty - will run the London version on April 25 before completing the Belfast run on May 3. 

Their intention is to raise as much money as possible for the charity before giving it back to the local community in the form of offering screening for local school children. 

One of the men involved locally with CRY is businessman John Lundy whose son Aaron died from a rare heart condition as a teenager.  He wants to see as many young people as possible screened to prevent a similar tragedy befalling another family. 

"On behalf of CRY I want to sincerely thank Garry, George and Michael for their fundraising effort for CRY and I would encourage local people to support them as they prepare for the London and Belfast marathons," said John. 

"The support that CRY receives from people in the Coleraine are is very humbling and we are absolutely delighted with the proposal to split the funds raised among the local secondary schools to fund screening for pupils from the schools and to raise awareness of cardiac risk. 

"It is very important that young people are aware of their health.  We believe that screening can help save lives and we would encourage young people to get screening whether they are involved in sport or not. 

"We want to thank Garry, George and Michael for their effort, their generosity of time and their enthusiasm in this magnificent fundraising effort," he added. 

"Running the London Marathon is something I've always wanted to do and when watching it on the TV last year," he said.  "The training has been tough going but having a few of us together has made it a bit more enjoyable." 

"This year, instead of putting money raised directly into CRY's Screening Clinics, John, George, Michael and I have decided to give the money back to the local community by getting a number of pupils from each of the secondary schools in the Coleraine area screened. 

"I think it's very exciting and it's great to have the opportunity to five something back to the local community who have always been very supportive of our fundraising efforts  for the Cardiac Risk in the Young," he said. 

"We are having a fundraising night on Thursday April 22 in the Ramore Oriental to support our cause and raise further awareness about CRY's aim. 

"Tables are being sold at £500 for eight people and this includes champagne reception, a seven course meal and wine. There will also be guest appearances, entertainment and a charity auction.  All proceeds on the night will go to CRY, including all money spent at the bar!" 

For more information, please call Garry on 07753 336 863 or 07900 261 487 or email garry@aaronlundycharitygolfday.co.uk