With less than two weeks to go until thousands of runners take to the streets of the Welsh capital for the Cardiff Half Marathon, a Welsh heart charity is urging people to make heart health part of their race preparation.
The miles have been logged, running shoes are ready and thoughts are turning to race day on Sunday 4 October.
But for Calon Hearts, this year’s Cardiff Half also carries a particularly poignant message as the charity prepares to remember two young men whose lives were cut short.
In 2018, Ben died after completing the Cardiff Half Marathon. Today, he is remembered alongside Kory through the charity’s annual Go Yellow for Ben & Kory campaign.
Taking place from 1 to 16 October, the campaign raises awareness of heart health while generating funds to support Calon Hearts’ lifesaving work across Wales.
Their stories are part of the reason the charity continues to campaign for greater awareness of sudden cardiac death, including Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), as well as improved access to heart screening, CPR training and lifesaving defibrillators.
Rhi Russell said:
“Losing Kory has changed our lives forever. No parent should have to experience the loss of a child, especially when that child appeared so fit, healthy and full of life.
“Since Kory died, we have been overwhelmed by the support of our family, friends and community. Through that support, I have come to understand just how important organisations like Calon Hearts are. If sharing Kory’s story and the Go Yellow campaign encourages even one person to get their heart checked, then something positive can come from our loss.”
Ruth McDonald said:
“When Ben died in 2018, our world stopped. The pain never leaves you, but over the years we have found some comfort in creating a legacy that helps protect other young people through heart screening.
“Nobody should have to walk this path. However, I also know that both Kory and Ben’s legacies will live on through every life that may be saved as a result of the awareness their stories continue to generate via the Go Yellow campaign.”
Sharon Owen, CEO of Calon Hearts, said: “Thousands of people will have spent months preparing for the Cardiff Half, thinking about their training, nutrition and getting themselves ready for the distance.
“We want heart health to be part of that conversation too. Ben’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of why this matters to us and why we continue to do everything we can to raise awareness and give people access to heart screening.”
Heart screening ahead of the Cardiff Half
The timing of this year’s race means runners have an opportunity to think about their heart health before they reach the start line.
Calon Hearts will hold a heart screening session at Sully Sports & Social Club on Saturday 3 October, just one day before the Cardiff Half.
The charity is also holding a screening session at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells on Saturday 26 September.
Heart screening is only one part of the charity’s work, with Calon Hearts also working to increase access to defibrillators and CPR skills across Wales.
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, immediate CPR and access to a defibrillator can be crucial. Public access defibrillators are designed to guide users through what to do and will only deliver a shock when one is required.
Calon Hearts supplies defibrillators at a discounted rate for communities and businesses and also offers grants towards their cost, helping more organisations put lifesaving equipment where it is needed.
For runners, sports clubs and community groups, the charity says simply knowing where the nearest defibrillator is and what to do in a cardiac emergency is an important first step.
With this year’s Cardiff Half taking place during the Go Yellow for Ben & Kory campaign, the charity hopes people will also take a moment to remember the reason behind it.
Sharon said: “We want everyone taking part in the Cardiff Half to have a fantastic day. But while you’re preparing for the finish line, take a moment to think about your heart too.
“And why not wear something yellow, get your workplace, school, sports club or community involved in Go Yellow for Ben & Kory, and help us keep this important conversation going.”
For more information about heart screening, defibrillators or Go Yellow for Ben & Kory, visit Calon Hearts.
