Running for a Cure: Hannah Evans' Inspiring Story

Hannah Evans, a 24-year-old nursery nurse from Wales, is set to run the London Marathon on October 2 in memory of her father, who died suddenly from a heart attack in 2010. Her mother had also been diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Despite her own family's devastating losses, Hannah is determined to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to prevent other families from suffering the same fate. She is running with her brother-in-law Mike Drakeford, who has also been touched by heart disease, and has already raised over £3,500 for the BHF.

Key Takeaways:

• Hannah Evans is running the London Marathon on October 2 in memory of her father, who died from a heart attack in 2010.
• Her mother and uncle were also diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Hannah's family has suffered two tragedies in recent years, with her mother dying from lung cancer at the age of 53.
• The BHF hopes to raise over £3 million from its team of marathon runners, which will go towards regenerative medicine research to unlock a cure for heart failure.
• Hannah has already raised over £3,500 for the BHF, including from her previous runs in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2018, 2020, and 2021.
• Mike Drakeford, Hannah's brother-in-law, has also been touched by heart disease and is running with her to support the BHF.
• Hannah's fundraising efforts are inspired by her passion to help prevent other families from suffering the devastating losses she has experienced.

Statistics:

• Over £3,500 raised by Hannah and Mike for the BHF in 2022, including contributions from previous runs in 2018, 2020, and 2021.
• The BHF hopes to raise over £3 million from its team of marathon runners on October 2.
• 24% of deaths in the UK are caused by heart and circulatory diseases, making them the leading cause of death in the country (Source: British Heart Foundation).
• 1 in 4 people born in the UK will die from heart and circulatory disease, making it a leading cause of premature death in the country (Source: British Heart Foundation).
• The BHF is the charity of the year for the TCS London Marathon on October 2.

Sources:

• "Hannah's strength and bravery in taking on the TCS London Marathon for the British Heart Foundation so soon after family tragedy, is remarkable." - Lizzie Moscardini, BHF events manager
• https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mike-hannah-marathon