A Doncaster hairdresser is swapping tinting for trainers to raise money for a charity that deals with the disease that killed one of his best friends.
Stafano Zammaton, aged 40, is leaving roots behind to his the road in the London Marathon this weekend, to raise cash for the charity CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young – which raises funds to combat sudden adult death syndrome, the condition that took the life of young Doncaster man Carl Stubbings.
Student Carl, 22, died as he sat watching television in the lounge of his family home and he was found by his mother Heather. He was fit and healthy which is common in victims of sudden death syndrome.
He received a posthumous award from Leeds Metropolitan University for passing his first year exams as a business and languages student.
Little is known about the condition, which causes around 400 deaths in the UK every year.
Stefano, who runs Stefano’s hairdressers in Belle Vue, said: “I’m just glad t be able to help out. I’d known Carl for 20 years and I’d been cutting his hair for most of that time.
“It’ll be the first marathon I’ve ever done, but I’m pretty confident about completing it. I run regularly, although the furthest I’ve done in one go so far is 20 miles. I expect to raise about £2,000 to £2,400 – I’ve got some very generous customers.”
Carl’s father David Stubbings, 48, now campaigns for CRY, and has raised £6,000 since he started last June.
The organisation aims to get ECG machines in Doncaster doctors’ surgeries to detect the condition which killed Carl.
“It’s really great of Stefano to help out,” David said.
“Six of us are going down to London to support him and I’m sure he’ll complete the course.”
Anyone wishing to organise events, donate money or time to CRY should contact David on 07703 179 196.
