RUNNERS supporting the Jersey Heart Support Group took part in the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon recently and raised £1,800 for the charity.

The JHSG’s entry in the race consisted of a marathon runner and two relay teams, while one supporter took part in the Virtual London Marathon.

One of the runners, Elliott Dorey, taking on his first-ever marathon, finished in the top 20, with a time of three hours and 11 minutes. His achievement raised more than £500 for the charity, which will help to fund one year of exercise classes for JHSG members.

Sponsorship from Fox helped to fund one of the relay teams, while the runners also thanked Logan McGhee Fitness for its support, which enabled both relay teams to take part.

The Fox Jersey Hearts team of runners had a great outing, finishing in tenth place, while the Logan McGhee Fitness Jersey Hearts team completed the course in a very credible time of just over four hours.

The Virtual London Marathon saw Tracey Jeanne, who had heart surgery only six months ago, walk the 26.2-mile distance with a friend.

The pair managed to complete the challenge in seven hours, raising more than £300, which will help fund further training for local cardiac nurses.

The JHSG expressed its thanks to all the fundraisers who took part in both marathons.

Charlotte McCann, chair of JHSG, said: ‘A huge thank you to our dedicated team for raising these important funds. They have raised an amazing £1,800, which would cover the cost of purchasing and placing a defibrillator in an accessible public location. Every penny of these funds will be spent in the Island to support cardiac care in Jersey, keeping local hearts beating.’

About the charity

•The Jersey Heart Support Group was formed in 2011 by people living with heart conditions. It is affiliated with the British Heart Foundation and belongs to the Association of Jersey Charities.

•The group aims to carry on where hospital rehabilitation leaves off and continue to battle against cardiac conditions. Many people participating in rehabilitation experience the benefits of being involved in a group and it is this element the JHSG wishes to extend and develop.

•To date, JHSG has donated or funded 70 defibrillators locally.

•Fundraising for JHSG is vital to continue the different projects the charity supports to help improve cardiac care in the Island while facing increasing financial pressures.