A Co Antrim man is taking on ultra-marathon next month in memory of his late partner who died in her sleep.
Carrie Anne Devlin, who was from Carrickfergus, was a mum to Isaac (3) and Rhys (17) and has been described as being an incredibly loving and caring woman.
A fundraiser set up for the challenge said the 35-year-old woman tragically passed in her sleep from cardiac arrest in September 20 of last year.
The news came as a huge shock to her friends and family. She showed no signs of complications prior to her passing and led a healthy lifestyle.
Her partner, Neil Lovell, will be joined by men’s fitness group Modern Day Warrior Gym to run the 39-mile challenge on November 9 in Tollymore.
A Just Giving page for the marathon effort was set up named “Neil’s fundraiser for Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke”.
The description on the page explained: “Carrie Anne tragically passed away in her sleep on the 20th September 2023 of Cardiac arrhythmia (cardiac arrest). She was only 35 years of age, lived a very healthy lifestyle and showed no signs of complications.
“This was a massive shock to our family, friends and everyone who known Carrie Anne leaving us all devastated. It has left a huge hole in our lives as she was the most incredible, caring and loving person. A fantastic mum to Rhys 17 & Isaac 3 and is missed by everyone who knew her.”
Read more
All proceeds for Neil’s challenge will go to Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) with, £4,600 already raised so far.
NICHS are the leading local charity fighting against chest, heart and stroke illnesses.
The charity says almost half a million people are fighting one of these condition in Northern Ireland.
They work to prevent related illnesses through education and providing health checks and health promotion programmes. The charity provides funding to research and campaign for improved treatment and awareness.
NICHS recommend their pop-up ‘well checks’ to help detect early warning signs and hidden risk factors such as irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, cholesterol and much more.
A spokesperson from NICHS said: “NICHS does believe that prevention is better than cure and that we have to work across government departments and with other partner to achieve health and well-being and reduce inequalities for the people of NI. Our specific goal is to help prevent avoidable chest, heart and stroke conditions.” To donate to Neil’s marathon effort click the link here on Just Giving.
News Catch Up: Tuesday 22nd October