Dan Parris was just 23 when he collapsed and died without warning on February 22, 2021.
He had never been diagnosed with any heart conditions and seemed to be in perfect health.
Dan’s mum Nicky said: “A year ago, our whole world was literally torn apart.
“Dan was fit, healthy, and doing so well in his career, and had his whole future ahead of him with his beautiful fiancé and daughter.
A team of seven runners will be taking part in the Hastings Half Marathon on Sunday (March 20) to raise funds for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) – a national organisation which provided vital care for the Parris family.
Every week in the UK, around 12 young people die suddenly from a previously diagnosed heart condition, according to CRY. Of these deaths, 80 percent will occur with no prior symptoms.
CRY is committed to the importance of specialist, cardiac screening. It also funds pioneering research into the conditions that can cause young sudden cardiac death as well as providing a unique bereavement support network for all families who have been affected.
Dr Steven Cox, chief executive of CRY, said: “It takes great courage and determination for anyone who has been affected by young sudden cardiac death to be able to see beyond their own situation and to want to raise funds for CRY and prevent other people from ever having to endure the same devastating grief as they have experienced.
“On behalf of all of us at CRY, I would like to say a huge thank you to Matthew and the rest of the team running in the Hastings Half marathon for their ongoing fundraising and support.
“As well as helping to raise vital funds, this event will also raise significant awareness for CRY among the local community and right across the South Coast.
The Parris family now hope that the Hastings Half Marathon, as well as a charity collection day at Bexhill United FC on March 12, will give Dan’s friends and colleagues the chance to finally come together to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
