Haika Urlich's Fundraising Page

I know first hand what it is like to have lost a loved one. My Dad died of a heart attack when I was only 13. The worst part was he was only 45 years old. My next birthday I will be 40. Only a very small 5 years away from the age he was when he died. I am running in this event,(Auckland half Marathon) for myself as well as for my children, and also in memory of my dad. I want to be around for a long time to see my children grow up and marry, and become the awesome adults I know they will be.

New research shows that young adults in their 20s and 30s are being admitted to hospital for heart attacks more than ever before, and that this age group is dying at a faster rate than people of the same age in previous generations. Much of this change is due to unhealthy lifestyles - poor eating habits, lack of physical activity and being a smoker.

But the good news is that many risk factors for heart disease are preventable, if people make healthy lifestyle choices.

So, help me as I join the race to beat heart disease.

I've signed up as a Heart Racer to raise money to support the Heart Foundation. By donating through my webpage you will be helping the Heart Foundation continue its vital work in research, cardiac rehabilitation, education programmes and resources.

I'll do all the hard work (train for and complete the event), but I really need you to make a difference to the hearts of New Zealanders.

So, please could you sponsor me?

Select the "Make a donation" button below. It's simple, fast and totally secure and the money goes directly to the Heart Foundation's bank account.

If you live in New Zealand your donation is tax deductible and a receipt will be issued.

So please help me today! And pass it on to your family and friends!

Many thanks for your support