The
Cardiomyopathy
Association

Family and friends of a young man who died suddenly and unexpectedly from cardiomyopathy are holding a 200-mile cycle challenge in his memory in July.

Alex Kaiser (pictured above), who appeared fit and well, died aged 28 in April after a day of downhill mountain biking in South Wales.

More than 30 of Alex's friends have already signed up to take part in the charity challenge from Glossop in Derbyshire to Nempnett Thrubwell near Bristol.  Alex grew up in Glossop and was due to marry his fiancee Sarah Hoare in Nempnett Thrubwell on July 7th.

The team, which includes Sarah, will set off from Glossop on July 5th and arrive in Nempnett Thrubwell on July 7th to hold a celebration of his life rather than the wedding originally planned.

Sarah, who is organising the challenge, said that Alex, known as Kaiser, was a most fantastic fiance, son, brother, uncle and friend who embraced life and threw himself into all its challenges.

"We had six years together and he made me the happiest woman alive," she said. "He was a keen mountain biker, rugby lover, amateur photographer and friend to all. He was due to be running the Berlin Marathon this September as well as competing in many biking competitions."

Sarah, a 29-year-old recruitment advisor, added: "We are a motley crew of cyclists, many of whom haven't been on a bicycle in years. So this is going to be a tough challenge both physically and mentally.  But with Kaiser's strength and approach to life there is no doubt that we will achieve it."

She said she had promised Kaiser at his funeral that she would make him proud by getting people to take part in the challenge and encouraging others to sponsor them and cheer them on along the route.

The challenge is raising money for the CMA and CRY and Sarah has already exceeded her target of £20,000.  As of 6th June she and her team have raised a massive £22, 782.  To support Sarah donate go to the on-line donation page.

She said: "Please honour this man, who spread smiles wherever he went, and support these charities and the wonderful work they do with those who are affected."

For more information about the event and how to take part, see the challenge website here