I ran the Asda Foundation York 10k for CRY in memory of Robert Heyes who was my friend and also a work acquaintance too. We shared similar interests in technology and I will always remember his warmth and rather witty sense of humour. One evening after Robert’s passing, and to the surprise of my wife I decided to help his family and friends raise additional proceeds towards his CRY memorial fund by deciding to take up running, something I’d never really done before.

Ten months later and after a small injury set-back when I ‘fell off a kerb’ whilst out training (the less said the better) I completed my first event, the York 10k in August 2016 in 1hr 5mins on a hot and windy morning. The atmosphere was fantastic with fellow runners also taking part for great and often personal causes. The warmup was rather emotional as my lovely wife had a few words with the announcer who mentioned me, CRY and Robert over the PA system. Everyone around me was high fiving and patting me on the back and words truly can’t describe how honoured I felt to be able to run for him and CRY. Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored and supported me, I’m already looking forward to my next event!

Mike Barratt