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A woman from Preston is running a half marathon this Sunday (10 November) in memory of her friend, who died of a cardiac arrest at 15 years old.
Amber Jane Fisher is marking the 10th anniversary of Melissa Smith’s death, who passed away in 2014 whilst playing football.
Both of the girls played for Cadley FC, based in Fulwood.
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Amber is honouring her friend, while also raising money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) as Melissa’s death was caused by an undiagnosed heart condition.
This Sunday, Amber will run a half marathon whilst wearing a weighted vest to represent the ‘burden of grief that comes with losing someone so young and unexpected’.
Amber said: “Mel, for anyone the pleasure of knowing her, genuinely lightened up any room that she entered with her smile, wit, and ditsy ways, some could say we were two peas in a pod.
“Her positivity was contagious.”
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So far, Amber has raised almost £2,000 for the charity which provides screenings, research and support to bereaved families and those at risk of sudden cardiac death.
She has been tracking her progress and training on her TikTok page.
@amberjane118 #CapCut First run back after being unwell, with race day only a week away! Training hasn’t gone as planned, but I’m giving it my all—plus, trying out new trainers to see if they can give me that extra boost. Let’s do this!
#HalfMarathonTraining #RaceDayCountdown
It is believed that every week in the UK, at least 12 otherwise fit and healthy young people die due to an undiagnosed cardiac condition.
To support Amber on her challenge you can donate to her JustGiving page here.
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