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 The sister of a popular footballer who died
suddenly in his Suffolk home has announced plans to run in next year's
London Marathon in his honour.
Mychaela Gardiner will be taking part in the
gruelling 26.2 -mile event with best friend Gemma Willans in memory of
semi-professional Aaron Gardiner.
The 33-year-old, a former midfielder at AFC
Sudbury and Ipswich Town, collapsed and died from a heart attack after a
pre-season training run.
Now his sister hopes to raise money and awareness
for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) by pounding the streets of
the capital in April.
"When my brother passed away last year I go in
contact with CRY," said Ms Gardiner, 31, a teacher at Northgate High School
in Ipswich.
"I wanted to raise awareness of the charity and I
felt I wanted to do something for Aaron and not just forget about him.
"I also wanted to warn people this could happen to
anyone they know.
"Aaron's three children will now have to go
through tests organised by CRY to ensure any potential related problems they
might have are looked at straight away.
"I am a little apprehensive about running the
marathon, but I am also looking forward to it.
"Aaron was very well known and I hope I will get
good support from the community."
In a distinguished local football career, Mr
Gardiner was a youngster at Ipswich Town before playing for Cornard United,
Braintree Town, Halstead Town and Diss Town.
Anyone who would like to donate some money should
log on to
www.justgiving.com/runningforaaron and make a pledge online.
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Aaron's
sister in marathon tribute