Housebuilder colleagues smash charity target in memory of Dean - one year on from race tragedy

Colleagues at a national housebuilder have smashed their charity target after running the Cardiff Half Marathon this month, in memory of 32-year-old Dean Fletcher, who tragically died last year at the event.

The husband and father - a management accountant at Bovis Homes’ South West region - suffered a cardiac arrest after completing the course last October.

In his honour, six Bovis Homes’ colleagues ran the 2019 event to raise funds for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), a charity that aims to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest in those aged under 35. The team aimed to raise £1,500 which they have now surpassed, with the total quickly approaching the £1,800 mark.

Andy Fraser, head of buying in Bovis Homes’ South West region, and a keen runner, said: “It was a tough run with emotions high, but I'm so pleased to say we all crossed the line safely and we are all chuffed to bits to have exceeded the £1,500 fundraising target. It has added to the sense of achievement we experienced in completing the run, while underlining how this tragic event has stayed in people’s thoughts.

“We all sorely miss Dean, and while unfortunately two of our team mates were unable to run on the day due to injuries, we hope that we did our friend proud. On behalf of our team, I’d sincerely like to thank everyone who sponsored us and all who came to support us on the day.”

Every week in the UK, at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions1. CRY work to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death and support young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions. The charity also supports bereaved families, promotes and develops heart screening programmes, and funds vital medical research.

The 13.1-mile route took runners past the Welsh capital’s iconic landmarks, beginning at Cardiff Castle and concluding at the Civic Centre.

Other members of the Bovis Homes team include Tarryn Lowth, Ruth Burrows, Rosen Petrov, Ryan Joint, John Drewett, Darren Harris and James Phillips. If you would like to sponsor the team and support CRY in this fitting tribute to Dean, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/doingitforderan 

Watch a video from the event on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuZyiinWaz4