It will be ten years this September since local teenager Aaron Lundy died suddenly from a cardiac condition after a football match in Portstewart. 

Since that time his friends have not let the memory of their young friend fade.

To mark the ten year anniversary, a number of Aaron's friends have organised relay teams to take part in the Belfast Marathon in support of CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young, and Jon Trolan is running the entire marathon solo. 

Patrick Trolan said: "We have been raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) nearly every year now since Aaron died.  He was such a great person and friend, and if our efforts can event contribute in the slightest to helping prevent this happening to just one other young person then it is completely worth it." 

"We are entering five relay teams (consisting of five people per team) into the Belfast Marathon on Monday, May 4, plus Jon Trolan is running the entire Marathon in aid of CRY. 

"As well as this, we did a twelve hour cycle on exercise bikes in Trolan's Supervalu, Portstewart, on Saturday to try and raise some extra money for what is such a worthy cause!"

Aaron's father John Lundy has been a tireless worked for CRY over recent years and he is as convinced as ever of the need for screening.  "The death of a young person is a tragedy for any family.  It's hard to believe it is ten years since we lost Aaron and our family's memories of him are as strong as they ever were.  Likewise with his friends and that is very reassuring for us." 

"We are grateful to Patrick, and Aaron's other friends, for raising these valuable funds for CRY.  We firmly believe that cardiac screening should b made widely available for everyone despite suggestions to the contrary by some senior medical figures.  In recent months we have seen further tragic deaths in Northern Ireland which we believe may have been avoidable." 

"Anyone wishing to get screened should contact the CRY clinic which operates in Jordanstown and Derry.  The screenings are simple and painless and cost £35.  It is a simple price to pay to et your health checked out." 

If anyone wishes to sponsor Patrick and his team in the marathon, contact John Lundy on 07730 437 454.