'Dad is always with us' - Dudley sisters to run marathon in memory of father they lost 25 years ago to a cardiac arrest
Two sisters from Dudley who lost their dad to a cardiac arrest 25 years ago are to run the Manchester Marathon in his memory and raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
Lisa Parkes, 41, a civil servant was just 16 when her dad Trevor collapsed at the wheel of his car in a traffic jam. She is joining her sister, Tia, 49, a health visitor on the 26.2 mile run as they are determined to devote a day to honour the man who never got the chance to see their growing families.
Trevor, a factory manager in Dudley, was just 48 when he died in October 2000.
Lisa said: “It was the most terrible shock as he was relatively young and seemed so well. As we look back on it, we are always thankful that dad’s car was at a standstill in rush hour traffic.
“An ambulance came, but dad was confirmed dead. He was a great dad to us and our brother and it was terrible for our mum losing him so young. Between us we now have seven grandchildren, but Dad only ever got to meet his eldest grandchild, something we are very grateful for. There are so many things that he has missed.
“As the years roll on you do just get on with life because you have to, but Dad is always with us. Doing the Manchester Marathon for him and the BHF is a way to carve out some time to devote to his memory and do something that is just for him.
“It will be an emotional day but will feel good to raise funds for the BHF to fund research that can prevent other families going through the heartache that we have.”
The sisters completed the Birmingham Half Marathon in 2015 when they also raised funds for the British Heart Foundation.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, BHF Chief Executive, said: “Lisa and Tia are among so many people across the UK whose Christmas wish is for treatments and cures that we just don’t have yet.
“Ground breaking research funded by BHF has helped improve and save the lives of many people with cardiovascular disease, but our job is not done. The more we can discover, through the public’s donations, the more lives can be saved – and give people many more Christmases with their loved ones.”
