Running for Aaron

Portstewart man Garry McGrotty is spear-heading a fundraising campaign this year to raise money for CRY, a charity that raises awareness of sudden cardiac death in young people.

Garry was a close friend of Aaron Lundy.

Aaron was a promising golfer and footballer. He sadly passed away in September 1999, at the age of just 19. Aaron had a heart condition called Wolfe Parkinson White Syndrome.

Garry tells: “We are organising a number of events this year to raise awareness of sudden cardiac conditions.

“These heart conditions show very little, or no symptoms and they cause 12 fit and healthy young people to die every year. We aim to raise money to allow young people to be screened, so that tragedies can be avoided.

“A simple ECG test could save your life, and that’s why we want to support CRY’s screening programme, which enables members of the public to have an ECG at a very small cost.”

Last month a fundraiser was held in the Oriental restaurant in Portrush, which raised 15,900.

The fundraising didn’t stop there, Garry and local men Michael Logan and George McAlpin ran the London Marathon on April 25.

Not happy with just completing one marathon - Garry joined CRY supporters from across the Province at last Monday’s Belfast Marathon.

Garry explained: “ I’m delighted to have finished two marathons in a week, both in 3 hours 45 mins.

“It’s an achievement that I’m very proud of. I’ve enjoyed every bit of the training and the marathons.”

Peter Doherty, another close friend of Aaron’s organised eight relay teams for the marathon. Each of the teams included Aaron’s close friends, the teams were

Team 1 - Jamie Burns, Ciaran Mullan, Gregory Bradley, Kevin McCarry, Aonghus McKendry

Team 2 - Cormac Trolan, Willy Leacock, Dennis Frizelle, Mark McTaggart, Barry McGrotty

Team 3 - Paddy Doherty, Paul Mc Afee, Paul Smyth, Andrew Lyttle, Peter Doherty

Team 4 - Maeve Dillon, Kirsty Grafton, Anne Carson, Michael Thompson, Pearse McLaughlin

Team 5 – Daniel Simpson, Ryan Elliott, Michael Lenehan, Andrew Gaston, Jamie Cassidy

Team 6 – Conal Loughrey, Ryan McGee, Barra Hanna, Alan Logan, Gerard Bradley

Team 7 – Michael Logan, Alison McDowell, David Hanna, Anna Thompson, Carly Hegarty

Team 8 – Zoe Starrett, Lisa Wilson, Stephen Wilson, Darran Wallace

The total amount of money raised is still rising. But, if you would like to make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/Garry-McGrotty or email [email protected]