I'm running the Melbourne marathon on Sunday and aiming to raise a bit of money for The DAM Foundation, established in memory of Dave Mackenzie who sadly died after collapsing following a sudden cardiac arrest age just 28.

Dave passed away on Friday the 19th of February 2021 as he completed a Half Marathon in Abu Dhabi trying to raise money for mental health charity Mind. He pushed himself to the very end, finishing the course in 90 minutes before he collapsed. His wife Alex was by his side, and he was surrounded by friends.

Funds raised by The DAM Foundation go directly towards purchasing much needed defibrillators for grassroots sports clubs within the UK. The cost of one life-saving defibrillator is £775. Your support and donations will help The DAM Foundation as they continue their efforts to make these available in as many grassroots sports venues as possible, in memory of Dave.

600 people under 35 die in the UK from sudden cardiac arrest each year. Research has shown that deploying a defibrillator within 3 to 5 minutes of collapse increases survival rates by up to 70%.

I personally did not know Dave quite as well as I would have liked but we always got on, as I believe Dave got on with pretty much everyone. He was a thoroughly good egg and always a serene, kind presence in the chaotic and competitive environment of secondary school. Dave loved sport and had the somewhat irritating ability to be good at anything he tried his hand at.

If the money raised by the Foundation can help just one person avoid losing their life as young as Dave tragically lost his it will be an incredibly good cause so please give generously. Cheers.