A team of intrepid locals will take part in this year's London Marathon to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young. 

Garry McGrotty, a representative for the charity in Northern Ireland is spearheading the charity's local fundraising events. 

Garry was a close friend of Aaron Lundy, who tragically died from a preventable heart condition back in 1999 after a football game. 

Since Aaron's death, John, Aaron's father and Garry, have been highlighting the important work of the charity, and raising awareness about cardiac conditions in young people, which sadly kills 12 apparently fit and healthy young people every week in the UK. 

Last week, CRY hosted its first ever screening clinic in Coleraine, which proved to be a huge success, with 170 local youngsters taking part. 

These clinics can only happen thanks to the fundraising work carried out by Garry and John and the CRY team. 

Last year, Garry, along with two friends, Michael Logan and George McAlpin completed both the London and Belfast Marathons.  This year, Garry has roped in a few more in a bid to raise more money, so that more screening clinics can take place here in Northern Ireland. 

Garry explains: "The money we raised last year along with John's (Lundy) endless hard work has enabled the screening clinics to grow across Northern Ireland from just three weekend dates last year to nine this year. 

"As the demand is so great for the clinics, we are pushing for even more dates next year. 

"Last year Michael Logan, George McAlpin and I ran the London Marathon and we entered eight teams into Belfast City Marathon Relay Race. 

"Although Michael has opted out of the London Marathon, we have more than doubled our entry with Gareth Barton, Chris Hughes, Greg Neely, Christine Allen and Ivan McGrotty, joining George and myself.  We also hope to enter more teams into the Belfast City Marathon Relay Race. 

"Our aim is to raise similar amounts of money, so that more and more people across Northern Ireland between the ages of 14 and 35 can be screened in the hope that tragic death like Aaron's can be prevented." 

In the lead up to the Marathon, there are a number of fundraisers taking place. 

The main event will take place on Thursday, April 7, at the Wine Bar in Portrush.  Titled, 'Ramore goes retro' guests are asked to wear just one piece of white clothing.  The night will be compered by BBC Radio Ulster's Alan Simpson and a variety of stars from stage and screen will also be in attendance. 

Tables are on sale now priced at £600 for eight people, this includes a champagne reception, five fabulous courses of traditional favourites with a unique twist, wine and most importantly and unforgettable night of fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young. 

On Friday March 25 a golf day will be held at Portstewart Golf Club. 

For more information on any of the events contact Garry on 077533 36863 or email garry@aaronlundycharitygolf.co.uk

CRY will host screening clinics on the following dates:  March 4 and 5 at UU Jordanstown, Jun 5 and 5 at Coleraine, 16 and 17 July in Newry, September 3 and 4 at UU Jordanstown, October 22 and 23rd at UU Coleraine and November 26 and 27 at UU Jordanstown. 

Details about booking a place can be found on the CRY website.