WHEN Thomas Gwyer laces up his running shoes to take part in a York crusade against heart disease next month, there will be only one person on his mind.

The 28-year-old has added his name to the list of people taking part in the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) York City Jog in memory of his brother Sam – and hopes others will follow his lead.

Sam died from a heart condition in 2003 when he was only 27, and since then Thomas’s mission has been to raise money for the BHF by taking part in fundraising events and backing its campaigns.

He also promised his brother he would one day run a marathon, and next month’s Knavesmire event – which aims to attract 1,000 participants and raise £30,000-plus for the BHF’s lifesaving work – is his next step towards fulfilling that vow.

“Sam had always been aware he had a strange pulse, but it had never stopped him doing normal activities throughout school and when he got older,” said Thomas, of Hambleton Terrace, whose colleagues from Corries Solicitors, where he works in the finance department, are also joining the jog.

“He had an active job working as a scaffolder, and up until he was 25, he had always been healthy. But after struggling to breathe one night and feeling unwell, he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (a condition where the heart becomes weakened and enlarged) at York Hospital, and shortly after he was fitted with a pacemaker.”

Tragically, while on the waiting list for a new heart, problems with infections arose and Sam failed to recover from a pacemaker-removal operation, leaving behind his partner and young daughter.

“Losing my brother when he was so young really made me aware of my own mortality,” said Thomas.

“At the time of his death, I was pretty unfit, so I decided to look after myself. I was due to take part in the Great North Fun Run last year before having to pull out through injury, but I made a promise to my brother and will eventually do a marathon in his memory.

“In the meantime, I want to do everything I can to support the BHF and help others so other families don’t have to go through what mine did.

“And I really hope the people of York will join in this event to look after themselves and raise vital funds to support a great cause.”

With 176 people having signed up so far, there are still plenty of places available, and BHF regional events organiser Helen Whiteley said: “It is great to have the support of people like Thomas.

“He and his family have been dealt the cruel blow of heart disease and it goes to show it really can affect anybody of any age.

“I really hope other people will be touched by his story and support him.”

How to take part

THE 5km or 3km sponsored York City Jog begins at 6pm on Tuesday, April 7, with athletes of all abilities and fitness levels welcome to join in.

Participants can run, walk or even crawl their way around the Knavesmire course, with entry costing £10 in advance and £15 on the day for adults, and £5 for those aged 16 or under. All joggers will receive a registration pack and training guide before the event and a free T-shirt and goodie bag on the day.

For more details about the York City Jog or to register, visit www.bhf.org.uk/york or phone 0800 825 2280.

The event is being sponsored by Monks Cross-based Courtney’s Gym, which is offering training sessions to help participants prepare, and these can be arranged by calling Dawn on 07952 285446. It is also being backed by York City Football Club.