Families raise thousands for cardiac charity

Family members and friends of two men who died from undiagnosed heart conditions have been busy raising thousands for charity.
HELP: The family of Jonathan Leigh has been fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).HELP: The family of Jonathan Leigh has been fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
HELP: The family of Jonathan Leigh has been fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The families of Michael Land and Jonathan Leigh have been holding various events to support Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Businessman Mr Land, from Pontefract, died aged 28 in February 2012, while Mr Leigh died in September 2015, aged just 20.

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Mr Land’s mum, Ruth Cain, and her partner Allen Haywood, helped stage a charity day for CRY at Pontefract Conservative Club on April 15. The money will go to the ‘Michael Land Memorial Fund’ and will help pay for cardiac screening days for people aged 14 to 35.

Mr Hayward, a local football referee from Darrington, will also do a 15,000ft skydive at Hibaldstow Airfield on May 11. He said: “Hopefully the amount raised for this recent effort should exceed £2,750.”

Meanwhile, the family of Jonathan Leigh have also been doing sterling work for CRY recently. This included a heart screening day at St Giles’ Church on Saturday, April 21.

Jonathan’s sister, Nicola Storr, said: “This was another success - 116 young adults aged between 14 and 35 were screened by the team at CRY. We also did a raffle which raised £636 in total. A fantastic, worthwhile event for everyone concerned.”

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They also held a race night at Pontefract Rugby Club on March 31. Many local businesses sponsored races, while friends and family sponsoring the horses. In total, £1,750 was raised.

Jonathan LeighJonathan Leigh
Jonathan Leigh

Nicola’s sister, Rebecca Leigh, then did the London Marathon for the charity. Nicola added: “Together with the money from the race night, she has raised a total of £4,150 for CRY. The Leigh family wants to thank everyone for their continued support.

“You have no idea how much we appreciate your love and support. Thank you.”