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Fundraising Efforts for AFA

Windsor Half Marathon

Gayl is participating in the Windsor Half Marathon on 7th October 2012.

Gayl commented, "I am running the Windsor half marathon this year and want to use it as a way of giving back and showing gratitude for the the fact that I can do it! Yes even at my tender age!!"

Gayl's friend was recently diagnosed with AF and after reading about the condition, she wanted to help raise awareness.

To support Gayl and her fundraising go to http://www.justgiving.com/Gayl-Long1

Dave Pavey runs 26 miles for AFA

On Sunday 27th May 2012, 23,000 people took to the streets to attempt the Edinburgh Marathon. AFA member Dave Pavey was among the runners, taking part in his first full marathon race.

He finished the race in 5 hours, 13 minutes, and said: "Whilst I was disappointed with my time on the day, on reflection it’s not a bad result for someone of my age who has had 3 heart procedures in the last 6 months and a cold the week before.

The race was not without problems for Dave, who suffered severe cramps during the second half. Nevertheless, he carried on in an impressive feat of determination.

"Despite the pain, it was a great experience and I’m glad I did it, but a full marathon is a long way – and it’s not a distance I’ll want to tackle again in a hurry."

Dave took a well deserved break over the summer, but is now back training for the Cardiff half-marathon.

Dave has completed three half-marathons in the last 15 months, finishing them all in well under two hours, but it was be the first time Dave will be competing in a marathon and a great personal challenge.

Dave was born 52 years ago with a hole in his heart which was successfully repaired back in 2006. Dave started exercising regularly in 2009 with a view to running the Cardiff half-marathon in October. Unfortunately Dave caught swine-flu and was unable to take part. After recovering from swine-flu, Dave began training again, but found that he had no energy.

After a trip to the doctors, Dave was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and had a DC cardioversion in February 2011 to get him back in rhythm, which appears to have worked.

Dave gets the occasional wobble every three or four months, but is able to mange the condition by spotting the symptoms and has found that when he is in AF, keeping going on the regular (but limited) exercise helps him stay as healthy as possible.

If you would like to support Dave in his fundraising endeavours go to http://www.justgiving.com/DPavey

If you feel inspired by Dave’s story and would like to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon 2013, entry is now open. To register your place, go to http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/

Craig runs two marathons for AFA

Craig from Newcastle will be participating in two endurance events, running a total of 52 miles in aid of AFA. His first endurance event will be the Boston Marathon on 16th April followed by the Berlin Marathon on 30th September.

Craig said “I started suffering with AF in 2011 which was a big shock as I am 44, very fit and had run five marathons and numerous half-marathons. I was treated and went on to run the New York Marathon three months later. In 2012 I am running the Boston (USA) and Berlin Marathon and would like to use this as an opportunity to raise money for the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA).”

Craig will be participating in both the Boston and Berlin Marathon to raise vital funds for AFA. To help Craig achieve his fundraising target of £500, click here

Just Walk Saturday 11th May 2013

Just Walk is an exciting sponsored walk for anyone wanting to fundraise for AFA. You can choose between a 10km, 20km, 40km or 60km route – so something for everybody. This charity walk offers enthusiastic hikers the chance to experience a breathtaking charity walk over the picturesque South Downs in West Sussex, and generate funds for AFA. Now in its 7th year! Once you have paid an event fee, all the money you raise will go to AFA. So, get those walking boots on and trek for us.

The walk starts and finishes at Goodwood Racecourse. Book your place for 2013 here.

Just Walk for AFA

Helen and Dan Whitelock from Gloucester will be participating in Just Walk 2012; an event organised by Across the Divide, charity challenges which enables individuals to raise money for the charity of their choice.

Helen said "We're raising funds for the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) by walking 20km in the Just Walk event on the South Downs, on 12th May 2012.”

Helen was diagnosed with AF in 2008 after spending five days in hospital, after collapsing at home in the middle of the night, aged 28 years old.

“Life was a struggle for a while, whilst coming to terms with this horrible condition and with no known causes, made it even more difficult. I found AFA helped, by providing a source of information, expertise and support from others who also suffer from AF via the web forum. I was also able to attend their annual Heart Rhythm Congress in Birmingham, where many specialists gave valuable information and support.”

Dan said “We'd like to say thank you by raising funds and increasing awareness to enable AFA to help others like Helen, and we hope you can help us achieve our goal."

If you would like to support Helen and Dan in their quest to raise £800 for AFA please go to their fundraising page http://www.justgiving.com/The-Whitelocks.

If you would like to participate in an event organised by Across the Divide to raise vital money for AFA go to http://www.acrossthedivide.com/

You’re never too old to put on your running shoes

Brian Pask a 71 year old from Bristol will be lining up for the Bristol 10km on Sunday 20th May 2012 to raise money for AFA.

Brian who suffers with atrial fibrillation said “As a 71 year old I will not be breaking any records but I could maybe raise some cash.”

Update:

Unfortunately, Brian was prevented from running the Bristol 10km due to illness. While he was very disappointed by this, it hasn't stopped his fundraising efforts!

"I'm now working on doing something else to support the cause and will be in touch when I'm sure I can produce the goods." Best of luck, Brian!

If you feel inspired by Brian and would like to do some fundraising on behalf of AFA contact the team on 01789 451 837, alternatively email info@afa.org.uk.

AF patient qualifies to represent Great Britain in the European Triathlon Championships

Martin Harman, a 38 year old atrial fibrillation sufferer has qualified to represent Great Britain in the European Championships in Eilat, Israel on 19th April 2012.

To learn more visit Martin's page.

AFA Funding and Sponsors

Supporting The Atrial Fibrillation Association

The AFA would like to thank all our funders and sponsors for their continued support of the AFA work programme and look forward to working closely with them to improve the quality of life of people affected by atrial fibrillation.