A FATHER is putting his best foot forward as he aims to run 175km in ten months.


As part of the mammoth challenge, Chris Morgan, who lives in Chelmsford, will take part in the British Heart Foundation’s Blenheim Palace 10km.


The race will be the second of 11 events Mr Morgan is taking on in memory of his best friend’s dad who died suddenly of a heart attack.
 

Mr Morgan, 37, is hoping his efforts will raise £4,000 for the national heart charity.
 

He said: “In February 2010 I received a call out of the blue from my best friend from school, Chris Busby, to say his dad, Dave, had died suddenly of a heart attack in bed, that morning.
"There was no history of heart disease in the family and Dave was a keen runner, so it came as a complete shock to everyone.
"The impact on Chris' life and those of his mum and older sister has been understandably enormous, but Chris also has two children who will grow up with very few memories of their granddad, which is incredibly sad.
“I have known Chris and his family for more than 25 years and they have all played a large part in who I am today.
"Dave’s death was a very sad period in my life and also rammed home the cliché that we tend to forget about living life for today, as anything can happen tomorrow.”
 

The BHF’s Blenheim Palace event will be held on October 7 and is expected to see more than 5,000 people take part.
 

Hannah Townsend, event organiser, said: “Sadly, we all know someone who has been affected by heart disease, but it’s through people like Chris and events like this that help us to continue our life-saving and life-changing work."


Mr Morgan, who lives on Chelmsford's Westlands estate, will also take part the Birmingham Half Marathon in October and the London Marathon in April.
 

To sponsor Mr Morgan visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChrisMorganRunning and to register for the event visit www.bhf.org.uk/Blenheim .