On 2nd July this year I am taking part in the GOGS Llanrwst Triathlon Sprint for Ruben's Fund which was set up by a mum who lost her 3 month old son due to Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

So why a triathlon? Since retiring I wanted to challenge myself; I'd run badly before and thought I could be mediocre at 3 sports all in one go! I lost my baby boy Adam 28 years ago in different circumstances but as a friend of Ruben's Nan I felt a strong connection to this charity's aim

This fund was set up by Ruben's family with the aim of raising £200,000 to enable the team at Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital to set up a dedicated research project, which will provide valuable knowledge into genetic cardiomyopathy, which effects 1 in 100,000 babies, to better treat and manage this condition.

As most paediatric cardiomyopathy remains genetically unexplained, there is an urgent need to better understand genetic susceptibility and underlying disease mechanisms. To help avoid situation’s that Ruben’s family found themselves in.

Anything you can contribute to help would be greatly appreciated, thanks! Alison Avies Jones