Karen Pearce - London Marathon 2026
My Story
I am taking part in the London Marathon 2026 to raise money for the Clarissa Nicholls Memorial Fund and support the important work of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Clarissa Nicholls studied French and Italian at the University of Cambridge. She achieved first class grades in her studies, was a keen and active athlete, and a much loved member of the University community.
Clarissa had no idea that she had arrhythmogenic cardiomyopothy, a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. On her year abroad in Paris, Clarissa collapsed and tragically passed away just days before her 21st Birthday.
Every week in the UK, 12 young people (aged 35 and under) die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. 80% of these deaths will occur with no prior symptoms, which is why CRY believes proactive screening is so important.
The Clarissa Memorial Fund has been set up by her lovely family to help CRY to reduce the fequency of young sudden cardiac death through heart screening events, awareness raising and research. This work is also supported by the amazing fundraising efforts of the student-run Clarissa Campaign for Cambridge Hearts.
Thank you ever so much for your support.
Links:
