FRIENDS and family of a North-East man who died running a half-marathon will remember him with at a fundraising event this weekend.

Solicitor Alan Lumley died suddenly on his 31st birthday, suffering a cardiac arrest just a mile from the finish line of the Wilmslow Half-Marathon.

The sports enthusiast, who lived in Cheadle Hulme but was brought up in Darlington and went to school in Barnard Castle, had completed ten previous runs, including half-marathons before embarking upon the race along with his girlfriend, Nicky Harris.

Paramedics treated Mr Lumley at the scene following his collapse and took him to Wythenshawe Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

His tragic and untimely death, on April 3 2016, inspired loved ones to embark upon a fundraising effort that has raised thousands for CRY, a charity that aims to prevent cardiac arrests in the young.

Mr Lumley’s family and his partner have raised almost £25,000 for the cause thus far and are hoping a Zumbathon this weekend will boost their total.

The event, organised by Mr Lumley’s mother Jennifer Lumley and sister Julia Fairnington, will see fitness enthusiasts of all levels endure a three-hour session of the popular dance fitness work out, with all proceeds going to CRY.

Mr Lumley’s younger sister Ms Fairnington said: “CRY has been a huge comfort to us since losing Alan.

“No family should have to suffer the pain of losing someone so young and so suddenly and by raising money to fund further research, we hope we can contribute towards preventing this.

“Alan was always the sporty one out of the two of us – I think he tried his hand at most sports but he particularly enjoyed playing rugby and football and also had a passion for running.

“I don’t run, however I do enjoy Zumba and Alan loved to dance so we decided that a Zumbathon would be the perfect way to celebrate his life while raising money for a wonderful charity that is now close to our hearts.”

As well as supporting bereaved and affected families, CRY funds awareness raising exercises, screening and research into cardiac arrests in young people.

  • The Zumbathon, led by experienced instructors Elaine Bean and Brenda Baines, will be held at Hummersknott Academy from 10.30am until 1.30pm on Sunday, May 14.
  • Tickets are £10 and can be bought on the day. Sponsorship is welcome but not essential.
  • For more information, email Julia_lumley@hotmail.com or, to find out more about CRY, visit c-r-y.org.uk.