On Sunday 10th June 2012 Eddie Foulkes completed the Potters ‘Arf Marathon in 1 hour and 37 minutes in memory of his cousin Nathan and his friend Adam. He has raised £130 from his wonderful efforts.

“Running the Potter’s Half Marathon for Cardiac Risk in the Young was an experience that I will never forget. Whilst enduring through the 13 mile stretch of road situated over Stoke-On-Trent’s hills I found strength knowing that the money I have raised would be going to a great cause.

My motivation to run the half marathon occurred after I lost a friend, Adam Green, earlier this year to an undiagnosed cardiac condition. This tragedy also struck my family in 2006 when my cousin, Nathan Butler, died suddenly aged 16. Consequently, I wanted to not only raise money but awareness that every week in the UK at least 12 apparently ‘fit and healthy’ young people aged 35 and under die from undiagnosed heart conditions.

In the run up to the race the support I received from CRY was fantastic and I felt proud to run in the charity’s vest. My physical preparation meant that I had to put my rugby boots aside and train my stamina whilst securing donations from family and friends.

In the end I was shocked by the result as I came 211th out of 1347 runners with a time of 1hour 37minutes, which I am told is good for a novice! I am now looking at more half marathons to complete this year and maybe even a full marathon in the near future!”

Eddie Foulkes