A picture of a much-loved brother who died suddenly last year is what kept a Sudbury woman going during a gruelling half-marathon. 

Mychaela Gardiner completed this year’s BUPA Great North Run and raised at least £500 for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).  Her motivation was the memory of her brother, former Ipswich Town and AFC Sudbury footballer Aaron Gardiner, who died suddenly in July last year at the age of 33. 

Mychaela, speaking from her home in New Queens Road, said: “It was very hot and very emotional. 

“It was so hot, people were collapsing by the side of the road and being treated.  That brought back thoughts of Aaron and was quite tough to deal with.” 

Despite the heat in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Mychaela completed the course in three hours and four minutes. 

“There were times when I could have easily given up.  But I was carrying a picture of Aaron around with me and I just looked at that and kept going. 

“He was with me all the way.  I could really feel that – I cried for the last mile,” said the 30-year-old secondary school teacher. 

Mychaela added Aaron’s death, from natural causes related to an irregular heartbeat, had come tragically out of the blue. 

“He was so fit and so well known.  That is why I ran for CRY.  The charity helped us as a family with counselling and putting us in touch with people who had suffered a similar tragedy. 

“It helped to know we were not alone,” she said. 

The charity has also helped with scans of Mychaela and her father, to ensure they do not suffer from similar conditions. 

“Aaron had three young daughters.  When they are old enough they will be scanned, too.” Added Mychaela. 

Now she hopes to run the London Marathon in 2007 for CRY.