A Stalmine father who took part in the London Marathon as a poignant tribute to his son has raised more than £4,000 towards a charity to prevent cardiac death in young people.
Plumber Mick Quinney completed the gruelling run in memory of his son David, who way well known locally as a postman and a member of Garstang Football Club before his tragic sudden death two years ago at the age of 26.
Mick, 57, who had not done any running for more than 30 years, completed the hottest London Marathon on record in six hours and 11 minutes, raising more than £4,000 for CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young, a charity set up to diagnose unexpected cardiac death in young people.
Former St Aidan's pupil David worked as a postman and milkman and was engaged to be married, when he died suddenly in January 2005. Outwardly fit, he was a keen golfer, footballer and crown green bowler.
Mick said he was motivated to do the marathon because he felt each of the 26 miles represented a year in David's life.
"I didn't start training until I knew I had been accepted, which was about mid December. I hadn't done any running for over 35 years, when I played football, so it was hard to get going," he explained.
"I was getting up at 6am and running six miles every other day, then running longer at weekends. I thought if I could finish the marathon it's a mile for every year David lived and so I just wanted to do it for him."
Mick, who was cheered on by wife Dot, daughter Catherine and a group of friends, described crossing the finishing line as a "fantastic" moment.
As well as the £4,000 from the marathon, a charity shop organised by Dot raised over £3,000, bringing the total raised to more than £7,000. Al the money will go to CRY.
The family said they wished to thank family, fr8iends, neighbours and customers for helping to raise the money.
"The support we have received has been absolutely overwhelming," said Dot.
Anyone who would still like to sponsor Mick can contact him on 01253 700567.
