The tragic death of his father aged just 53 from a heart attack has inspired a Holbeach man to set himself a number of marathon challenges to raise awareness of the disease.
Nick Franklin, of Edinburgh Walk, will set off on Saturday, August 3, for five gruelling days of cycling and running.
The 25-year-old support worker in children’s services says he has been training since January.
He said: “In 2009 my father, Graham, was a very fit and healthy 53-year-old.
“He was very active and led a healthy lifestyle and did not smoke.
“His diet was healthy with all homemade food and a good consumption of the five-a-day. He was very stress-free and really enjoyed life. He did enjoy a drink, but no more than anyone else.
“The message I want to get across more than anything is heart disease can affect anyone of any age and of any health condition – and I hope the money raised will go into vital research.
“My father did not die straight away from his heart attack – in fact, when we left him on the evening, he was in quite good spirits.
“Unfortunately, the damage the heart attack did to his heart was not picked up and led to his death the following morning. Surely, there must be something out there which would be able to pick up damage caused to the heart by a heart attack.
“Hopefully, my challenge is big enough to generate more publicity and support.“