With regards to both the day and the reasons behind running The Oxford Half Marathon on behalf of CRY, it would not have been possible without meeting a lady called Emma Jones. Emma’s brother Iain was taken at the age of 26 only a couple of years ago, and we were inspired by both the efforts she has put into raising funds for CRY, but also the fact that she was able to enlighten us to the terrible effects of young sudden cardiac death, but also the great work that CRY have done in the area of research.

At the age of 51 and having never attempted such a challenge, my wife (Debbie) and I were a little nervous about the challenge ahead. However, after plenty of training, we felt “almost” ready as the day approached. It would be wrong, very wrong, to say it was easy, but the fact that we were able to walk back to the car without the aid of crutches was good enough for us. We hope to try many more events in aid of CRY, with the hope that one day I will progress to the ultimate challenge of a full marathon. We are glad to say that together, and with gift aid, we have raised around £1,100 for CRY on this occasion.

Deborah & Derek Monroe