The
Cardiomyopathy
Association

Three sisters to run 10k challenge in memory of dad

PRESS RELEASE

June 2007

Three sisters to run London 10k challenge in memory of dad

Three sisters from Altrincham are running the British 10k London Run in July in memory of their father who died aged 62 from the heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy.

Julie Mills, 41, Emma Dawson, 36, and Clare Kenny, 31, all from Altrincham, have done no sport since leaving school but are now in training for the July 1st race.

They were inspired by Julie’s husband Tim, who ran the London Marathon in 2006, and a desire to raise awareness of the condition and money for the charity that fights the disease – the Cardiomyopathy Association.

The women’s father, James Kenny, also from Altrincham, died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy two years ago.

The condition causes the heart muscle to thicken and this can affect the heart’s rhythm.  The disease affects around 1 in 500 people of all ages, and is the biggest medical cause of sudden death in those under 35.

Because the condition is often inherited, Emma, a banker from Timperley; Clare, a medical rep, from West Timperley and Julie, a recruitment manager who now lives in Reading, undergo regular heart checks. Currently they are all well.

Emma, who is hoping to complete the run in under 90 minutes, said: “We are not a sporty family.  But inspired by Tim we decided to put on new running shoes and start training. We have found we can support and encourage each other and we are putting our hearts and soles into it.

“We started running for a minute and then walking for a minute and have gradually built up what we can do. If I can do it, anyone can.”

Emma is also getting match funding from her employer, Barclays Bank.

Clare, who is hoping to finish in under one hour, said: “I did some cross country at school but had done no running since. I also wanted to start running again to improve my health.”

Julie only did sport that was compulsory at school, but she had started walking to increase her fitness before deciding on the 10k run. She is also hoping to finish in under 90 minutes.

The run, which is quickly growing in popularity, takes in many of London’s historic sites.

The sisters are hoping to raise hundreds of pound for the Cardiomyopathy Association which offers advice and support to families affected by the condition and funds medical care.

To sponsor the sisters, go to their individual pages on the charity giving website www.justgiving.com

 Note to Editors

For more information call Sarah Dennis, Information Manager, Cardiomyopathy Association, 01494 791224.                                                                                                                    

Dedicated to Damian McLoughlin, who died age 20 of cardiomyopathy. This site is supported by Damian's family and friends.