Former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand will once again be supporting Why Not Run this weekend.

The team behind one of Chislehurst’s best known annual fundraisers, Why Not Run, have announced that on the day places for this year’s event are now available – with all funds raised going towards specialist cardiac screening for young people in the local area (through the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young) aged between 14 and 35.

All race participants within this age bracket will receive priority booking for these screenings.

And, as part of the “line up” for this Spring’s fun-run, former England international, Manchester United and QPR football star, Rio Ferdinand, will be coming along to show his support for CRY and Why Not Run.

Rio will be starting various races and will be presenting the trophies at the end of what promises to be a fantastic day of fun and fundraising!

The multi-terrain cross-country event (which this year will take place on Sunday 17th April in the grounds of Farringtons School, which has generously supported this event since it began five years ago) will be raising funds for CRY via the locally based and well-known Ben Daniels Memorial Fund (BDMF).

Ben tragically died in March 2011 from an undiagnosed heart condition whilst playing football, aged just 15. Since Ben’s sudden death, supporters of his memorial fund (which was established by his parents, Paul and Helena, from Bickley) have continued to work tirelelessly, raising money to host specialist screening sessions in the local area to test as many children and young people as possible.

Every week, 12 young (aged 35 and under) people lose their lives to sudden cardiac death in the UK – a statistic that is now believed to be a conservative estimate. In 80% of cases, there are no signs or symptoms, which is why the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) believes proactive, screening of young people is vitally important. Indeed, CRY’s pioneering screening programme now tests over 23,000 young people every year in the UK.

Now in its 5th year, Why Not Run is a charity fun run for all the family, which raises money for local children’s and young people’s charities. Set up by the Head of Junior PE at Farringtons School, Lavinia Long, the day offers a range of running events and distances for all ages and abilities – and in the past, has rasied £32,119.44 for its nominated charities.

Event Organiser, Jackie Baker, says; “We are delighted to be working alongside Paul once again and helping to raise awareness of the importance of cardiac screening in young people. As our local profile continues to grow , I really believe that the Why Not Run annual event presents an ideal opportunity to communicate directly with so many young people and their parents.”

The Ben Daniels Memorial Fund has now raised over £150,000 to support CRY’s pioneering screening programme. As a result of Paul’s efforts, around 2,000 local, young people have been screened over the past 5 years, in memory of Ben – a figure that is set to increase, due to the volume of screenings due to be funded by the Ben Daniels Memorial Fund in collaborations with a range of sports clubs across Kent and the South East.

Paul Daniels says; “Why Not Run really is a fantastic event for us to be associated with as it truly is a “fun” run – open to all ages and abilities. The ethos of taking part and having fun whilst raising awareness totally embodies the spirit of Ben’s memorial fund.”

“Year on year I feel we are making such amazing progress in spreading the word about CRY and its ongoing mission to prevent these tragic – and often preventable – deaths in young people. The support we have from local businesses, schools, organisations and individuals continues to be outstanding and helps us to create a very special tribute to Ben. I know he would be proud of everything we are achieving.”

An ECG (electrocardiogram) test is a simple way to identify the vast majority of abnormalities that can cause sudden deaths in young people. The test is quick, non-invasive and, if necessary, a further echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) can be taken on the same day to provide further clarity or reassurance.

Founder of CRY, Alison Cox MBE, says; “Since we were first introduced to Paul, in the tragic aftermath of Ben’s death, we were struck by his incredible determination and drive to raise funds for our work and to make a real difference to his community. Like so many of the families who come to us at CRY, Paul is passionate about creating a legacy of proactive screening and reaching out to young people in Ben’s memory.

“CRY is in its 20th year and we are so proud that our screening programme is making such an impact. But we still believe screening needs to be extended to all young people. Although screening will not identify all those at risk, in Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, the incidence of young sudden cardiac death has been reduced by 89%. On behalf of CRY, I would like to thank everyone who is taking part and we really hope everyone has a great day!”

The event will again be sponsored by “Basepoint” (wholly owned by a charity called The ACT Foundation). CRY is the chosen charity of the year for the Dartford branch and it is planned that a further £5,000 will be matched over the coming year as well as local fundraising.

To find out more about Why Not Run 2016, please visit: www.whynotrun.co.uk or email:[email protected]. Free race tops will also be offered to the first 250 applicants!

Entry Fees on the Day: £10 for the 1km and 2km races and £15 for the 5km races.