Friend's memory at the heart of Rushden runner's marathon effort

A Rushden runner has finally got a place in the London Marathon and will be running for a charity very close to her heart.

After nine unsuccesful attempts in the ballot, Kirsty Jones has secured a charity place in the marathon with CRY (Cardiac Risk of the Young).

She will be running for the charity after a friend of hers died while playing rugby from young sudden cardiac death.

Kirsty said: "This is definitely going to be my biggest challenge yet.

"But after nine years of trying to get into the London Marathon through the ballot, I always had CRY at the forefront of my mind as the charity I wanted to run it for and have previously raised money for them when I did a skydive in Germany.

"This year I applied for London Marathon through CRY and was overjoyed to be offered a place by them.

"I have had my own heart issues over the years and so know how important screenings through CRY can be.

"But I also wanted to raise money for this charity after a friend of mine from university died from young sudden cardiac death syndrome, he was only 21 and taken far, far too young.

"Deaths like these can be prevented and the work and screenings that CRY do can really help."

Kirsty is new to the area after returning from living in Germany for five years where she taught British Army children on an army base.

When she moved to Rushden, she discovered the Diamond Runners group and they have been helping with her preparations for the marathon on April 26.

The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm at the Pemberton Centre and caters for all running abilities.

Kirsty said: "The coaches are great and really help you to develop as a runner.

"I’ve met other London Marathon runners through the club and train regularly with them all.

"The London marathon is going to be such a huge challenge for me, I’m really nervous but excited too.

"Training is going well and I’ve began fundraising."

Kirsty has already raised £800 but has set herself the target of raising £2,000 for CRY.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Kirsty can do so by going to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KirstyJonesCRY2020CRY raises awareness of young sudden cardiac death and what can be done to tackle it, from preventative measures (screening) to bereavement support for those affected by a tragedy.

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die suddenly from undiagnosed heart conditions.

CRY works to reduce this number and offer support for those who are affected by young sudden cardiac death.