Mark Atherton, director of hockey at London Wayfarers HC, is undertaking a 13-day running challenge in memory of Emma Broad, who was a young, talented England hockey player.
Atherton is currently attempting to run 13 half marathons in as many days to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Emma sadly died in her sleep 13 years ago this week. The 16-year-old played for Surbiton HC and was a member of the England U16 team who had recently competed in the Easter 4 Nations tournament shortly before her death in 2011.
Atherton’s 13 in 13 Challenge aims to raise awareness of the potentially life-threatening heart conditions that apparently fit and healthy young people may have.
As well as CRY, whose vision is to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research, and supporting affected families.
He said: “May 22 will mark the 13th anniversary of the passing of Emma, a beautiful person and talented hockey player I used to coach.
“She sadly died in her sleep, aged just 16, as a result of sudden cardiac arrest.
“So often seen donning the #13 shirt, I have had an idea in mind for a while to remember Emma and to raise much-needed funds for the charity CRY.”
Emma’s father, Phil, said following the talented schoolgirl’s death: “It’s something no one can ever imagine – losing a child. I will never understand why someone so young had to be taken away from us like this.
“We had a big family do three or four weeks ago for her uncle. She made a speech to all the family. That would be their lasting memory of her but at least they saw her recently. You will never comprehend something so tragic.
“I have no one lasting memory of her. It was all of her. I was so proud of her.”
The Hockey Paper wishes Mark the best of luck in his challenge and his bid to raise much-needed funds.
More on the 13 in 13 Challenge can be found here while Mark has set up a JustGiving fundraising page here
