Old school friends will be running the London Marathon to raise money in memory of a local football star who died last year. 

Mychaela Gardiner will tackle the 26-mile run in memory of her brother, former Ipswich town and AFC Sudbury footballer Aaron Gardiner, who died suddenly last year at the age of 33.  Joining her will be fellow ex -Sudbury High School pupil Gemma Willans, 31, who will help raise money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). 

Gemma said: “We are both self-confessed non-runners and are currently undertaking a strict training programme.  We are both determined to finish for Aaron.” 

The duo, known as the ‘terrible twins’ when they were growing up together, have committed to raise a minimum of £2,500 for CRY. 

“We have known each other for 26 years and Mychaela will be my bridesmaid in July and no doubt this emotional pledge will bring us even closer,” said Gemma. 

They chose to raise money for CRY because Aaron died from a heart problem which had gone undetected.  The charity helps raise awareness of heart disease in the young and promotes health screening. 

The two ex-St Peter’s and St Gregory’s Primary School pupils will run the race on April 26 next year.  Mychaela completed a half marathon earlier this year for the charity, carrying a picture of her brother throughout the more than three hours pounding the streets of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 

For donations, Mychaela and Gemma have set up an online sponsorship form. 

“Your donations will help us to get to the finish line and we thank you in advance for any contribution you can make,” said Gemma. 

To sponsor the friends, go to www.justgiving.com/runningforaaaron