A FUND set up in memory of a young man who tragically died while taking part in the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford has already raised thousands of pounds.
Twenty six-year-old Samuel Kettle from Leicester was running in the race back in April when he was collapsed just before the finishing line.
The Air Ambulance was called but medics were unable to save him and he died at the scene.
Just a week ago his family set up a fundraising page to raise cash for two vital charities in Samuel’s name – Cardiac Risk in the Young and The Air Ambulance.
The Gofundme page, set up by Samuel’s cousin Jake Shenton on behalf of mum and dad Dean and Marnie Kettle, has already raised over £4,000 and counting,
Samuel was the couple’s only child.
The family said: “On April 21, Samuel Kettle was running in the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford. Despite the medics best efforts, we sadly lost our Sam. For those of you that were lucky enough to know him personally, I’m sure you will agree that he was a lovely lad with a big heart and a great sense of humour to match.
“As you know Sam’s death was so unexpected, he was a fit and healthy young man, who had so much life ahead of him with no warnings or signs of what was to take place that awful morning.
“We would like to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for your kind messages of support.
“If we can prevent just one family from going through what we have, we have succeeded our mission. We greatly appreciate any donation, large or small. The money raised will go towards two charities close to the family’s hearts.”
Cardiac Risk in the Young supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and their families.
Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Around 80 per cent of these fatalities had no prior symptoms.
The Air Ambulance does not receive funding from the government or National Lottery for its daily missions so relies entirely on the support and generosity of local people and businesses.
Every day of the year, the charity is helping save more lives. Critical care paramedics, doctors and pilots attend an average of five rescue missions a day.
To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/SamKettle2
