Proud mother to start city's Santa Jog for heart charity

The annual run, organised by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) will begin on Sunday, December 12 in the Peace Gardens and follow an easy course through Sheffield city centre.

Jenny Gavaghan, 40, lost her husband Eamon Gavaghan to a heart attack seven years ago, when her daughters Lucy, now eight, and Beth, 10, were only toddlers.

The family, from Crookes, will together start the Santa Jog at 11am.

Mrs Gavaghan, a woodwind teacher, said: "Eamon died very suddenly and without warning. He had myocardial ischemia, a reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.

"We didn't know he was ill as he was very athletic but he was a walking time bomb.

"I busked at the event last year and it was a fantastic atmosphere.

"It will be great to raise awareness of the BHF before Christmas and we need everyone to join

in."

The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Coun Alan Law, will also be at the start line with Mrs Gavaghan and her daughters.

He said: "I feel very proud to support this event and to meet Jenny, her daughters and everyone else at the Santa Jog whose lives have been touched by heart disease."

Last year's Santa Jog raised more than 5,000. Entry to the run costs 10 for adults, which includes a free Santa suit.

Children aged 13 and under are free in fancy dress. For further details call 0845 1308663.