WPA team rows, runs and cycles 285 miles in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young

16 August 2023

Following the sudden death of Freya Davidson, a colleague’s 18-year-old daughter, in January, the WPA team has been doing numerous fundraisers in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), most recently raising £1,883 in a 285 miles marathon to bring the total raised so far to £3,174.

This latest fundraiser involved eight members of WPA taking part in a non-stop rowing, running and cycling relay for the entirety of the Somerset v Sussex One Day Cup match at Somerset County Cricket Club, reaching the equivalent distance of Taunton to Paris in their bid to raise as much money as possible for CRY. 

Five-time Olympian and WPA ambassador, Jo Pavey (pictured), popped onto the stand to support the WPA effort adding to the miles.

WPA’s Sales and Marketing Director, Mark Southern, said: “For the first time in ages, I could not have wanted a game of cricket to end more quickly!  We ached, and are still aching, making it all the more worthwhile for such a great charity.

“I’m also grateful to Somerset Cricket for letting us fundraise at The Cooper Associates County Ground and extended thanks must go to the overwhelming generosity of the supporters and spectators who rose to the occasion, raising nearly £2,000 for such an amazing charity.”

Chief Executive of CRY, Dr Steven Cox, said: “Every week, 12 apparently fit and healthy young people in the UK die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition and 80% of these will have no signs or symptoms of a heart defect.

“CRY now tests over 25,000 young people each year, aged between 14 and 35 and our UK-wide screening programme is only possible because of the incredible support CRY receives from families, communities and local businesses.  With this in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from WPA for their very impressive eight-hour fundraiser at Somerset County Cricket Ground, fundraising in memory of Freya.”