On Monday 4th July 2011 Jean, Mita and Manisha took part in the Peachtree Road Race in memory of Jean’s daughter Karen. They raised a wonderful £3,633.50 from the ride.

“We lost our beloved daughter Karen in November 2009 from cardiomyopathy, a virus that attacks the heart.

Some days the loss is unbearable as Karen, during her life put her heart and soul into being the most wonderful wife, daughter, sister and mother.

Two years ago our Granddaughter Megan aged 14 was diagnosed with a heart problem and thank God it was detected early and after an operation is again fit and well. During this stressful time we came across an organisation called CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young and reading their brochure it was emphasised early testing of young people was vital. Apparently on average 12 young people in the UK die each week with sudden heart failure which with early testing could be avoided.

Each year, Karen, who lived in Atlanta USA participated in the Peach Tree Road Race with her best friend Mita and family. It was Mita’s suggestion that this year I join them, which I did and we decided to sponsor CRY as our charity. Mita, Manisha and I wore CRY t-shirts with Karen’s photo (see photo below) while Karen’s son Aaron and friends wore Union Jack shorts. As it was July the 4th you can imagine the stick they got from the Americans!

So far I have collected £502 from friends, family and the Atlanta Road race in July. Gym buddies and Pam Farmer collected a further £669.50 from a cycle race giving us a grand total of £1171.50 to date!”

Jean Mowforth