A father and daughter duo are taking on Bristol Half Marathon to say thank you to staff at Bristol Heart Institute (BHI).

Will and Lucy Gray, from Horton, are raising money for Above & Beyond, the BHI’s charity, after Will had two heart attacks in June 2018.

The keen runner had his first heart attack after finishing his leg of the Cotswold Relay Race, before having a second the following morning.

Will said: “The treatment and care I received at the BHI was of the very highest order and I have nothing but praise for everyone involved – from the operating surgeons to those cleaning the wards.

“I have continued to lead a very active lifestyle which would not be possible without the NHS and the BHI in particular.”

After collapsing at the race finish line Will was rushed to hospital before being transferred to the BHI where he had two stents fitted.

He said: “I knew something was wrong from the start of the race, however although common sense dictated otherwise, I pressed on.

"At the finish, when I should have been throwing everything into the race, I was reduced to a walk. My first heart attack happened shortly afterwards, and the second swiftly after that.

"I was discharged on the 7 July and after three months of rehab I ran my first competitive team event, which we won!”

Now he’s joining forces with his daughter to raise £1,000 for Above & Beyond by taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon on 15 September. They’ll be joined by Lucy’s friend Morgan.

Lucy said: “I was away in Australia when I heard about dad’s heart attack which was very difficult, but it was a comfort to know that he
 was in such good hands.

“We decided to support Above & Beyond because the staff at the BHI took fantastic care of dad and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Karlie Evans, Above & Beyond community fundraising officer, said: “Doing an event with someone is a great way to stay motivated with your fundraising and training.

“The Bristol Half Marathon is a fantastic local event and I’m really looking forward to cheering Will and Lucy over the finish line.”

To donate go to the Just Giving page.  

---

You're not too late to join #Team45for45 and run Bristol Half Marathon for Above & Beyond. Sign up today.