Ryan Allan's 2009 Heart racer fundraiser

My Mum and Dad

If you've got this far you now know that I will again be tackling the Auckland Marathon this year

On the 1st of November 2009 I will be lining up for my 2nd Auckland Marathon, no pissing about with Half Marathons - I don't do things by halves… unless its half arsed

Again I will be attempting to raise funds for the New Zealand Heart Foundation Last year you helped me raise over $1000 This year I'll be trying to top that.

The Heart Foundation is one on my selected charities, for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it's a pretty important organ,

And secondly, Heart Disease is New Zealands number one killer.

But most importantly I've had a first hand experience with how sudden it can strike - Read below

On the 29th of January 2005, while walking to the Wellington train station on her way home from work, my Mother collapsed. We were to find out later that she had had an "in the community" Cardiac Arrest. Through pure luck and good timing a woman walking behind my mother was a qualified nurse and gave CPR until an Ambulance arrived. When the ambulance arrived my Mother was shocked back to life with a cardiac defibrillator (The shocky paddle thing). Of people who have an "in the community" Cardiac Arrest only 4% of people survive, and of that only half of them have no lasting effects. So to say my Mother is lucky would probably be an understatement.

My mother was diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) and now has a Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) to restart the heart should it be needed. ARVD is a genetic condition which is either hereditary or caused by a genetic mutation. Because my mother has been diagnosed with it, I have a 50% chance of having it. (Thanks Mum) The good news is you either have it or you don't. The bad news is you usually only find out you have it when you die from it. Several tests are available, including MRI & ECG tests, the most accurate is a genetic test, however this is in its early stages of use, only available in the USA and is very expensive.

Although you've probably never heard of ARVD before it is more common than you think. In fact New Zealand Olympic Silver medallist, and 2009 Tour de France competitor, Hayden Roulston was diagnosed in 2005. Many people may live their entire lives with ARVD without knowing it.

I hope to help raise awareness of Heart Disease - New Zealands number 1 cause of death. Below is a few facts from the New Zealand Heart Foundation.

Each day 16 New Zealanders die as a result of coronary heart disease. That's one person every 90 minutes. And many of these deaths are premature and preventable.

Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke & blood vessel disease) is the single leading cause of death in New Zealand. It causes 40 percent of all deaths annually in our country - making it more deadly than all forms of cancer.

I've signed up as a Heart Racer to raise money to support The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand. 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 and all you need to do is 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

Ryan