I chose to run for CRY after research for my Sports Science degree at Brunel University raised my awareness of the work carried out by the charity. For an assignment, I researched the effectiveness of pre-participation screening in reducing the risk of sudden death syndrome, particularly focussing on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

After I contacted CRY regarding the assignment, they were kind enough to send me lots of information which helped me achieve a 2:1 grade for the assignment, which helped me get a 2:1 degree at the end of the year.

The Dublin marathon was fantastic! It was my first marathon and it was everything I hoped it would be. I reached the halfway stage in 1hr 46 minutes (just a minute outside of my target), but at 16 miles my legs started giving up on me as the effects of cramp kicked in. I then went into a cycle of jogging for a couple of minutes; then cramping up and having to stop and stretch for 5 mins; walking; and then jogging for another couple of minutes. I was in agony doing this up until 20 miles when I seemed to get my second wind, and after seeing my supporters ½ a mile from the finish I got a burst of energy and managed to sprint that last ½ mile.

I finished in 4 hours, 30 minutes and 39 seconds and I have never experienced such a feeling of immense pride and achievement!! I finished in 4,678th place out of 11,000 entrants which I was delighted with! I hope that the £251.50 I raised will help to make a difference for someone. I’ll definitely be doing another marathon this year and there is a good chance that I’ll run for CRY if only so I can wear the lucky vest again!!

Chris Jowett