Devoted dad raises cash for British Heart Foundation

Graham Crewe and his daugter Georga

A devoted dad has taken part in the gruelling New York Marathon to say thank you for the medical treatment his daughter has received.

Graham Crewe (47), the finance director at Bright Finance, decided to take part in this, his first ever marathon, to raise money for The British Heart Foundation. So far Graham and his friend and running partner, have collected an amazing £7,000 to be donated to "The British Heart Foundation".

Graham, of Cheshire, decided to take part in the race because he had always vowed to raise money for a heart charity after his daughter received heart surgery at the tender age of one.

Georga was born premature with a hole in the heart.

His daughter, Georga (13), was born premature with a hole in the heart. She was in intensive care for many weeks, and just after her first birthday she underwent a life-saving operation at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool.

Graham explained:" While I was at the hospital with Georga it was a humbling experience. It was then I decided that at some point I would raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Georga still has check-ups at hospital, but is absolutely fine."

Graham saw the opportunity to take part in the New York Marathon, and despite never running in a 26 mile race before, decided to give it a go. He started training twice a week - even though he doesn't enjoy running - and took part in The Bright Finance Sheffield Half Marathon earlier in the year.

"Taking part in the New York Marathon was a fantastic experience," said Graham. " I was determined to finish the race, even if I had to crawl over the finishing line."

"I finished the race in 5 hours 55 minutes," he added. "I'm proud of my achievement but so happy that I've raised so much money for such a worthwhile cause."

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Posted: 7th December 2006