A Farnham man will be taking on the London Marathon on Sunday in memory of his younger brother who tragically died from sudden cardiac arrest (SADS) aged just 37.

Oliver Dillon will be tackling the 26.2 miles through the streets of the capital in aid of cardiac charity SADS UK on the tenth anniversary of his brother, Dominic’s shock death.

Oliver hopes to use his marathon challenge to spread awareness of SADS and about the work of SADS UK, which works in education, research, prevention and resuscitation.

He said: “On April 23, I will get to join approximately 40,000 people running along the Thames River. Whether you earn your spot as a charity runner or get a number via the ballot, any participant can fundraise for a charity. 

"The primary reason I am running the London Marathon is to raise funds for SADS UK. Running for a charity not only brings in funds for the organisation, but also spreads awareness of its work. 

"There are lots of charities that people do not know about and participating as a charity runner can help raise awareness of their impact on the world. 

"Runners have different goals, but running in one of the world’s premier marathons is a great opportunity to test an individual’s physical and mental endurance.”

Oliver can be supported on his online fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/Oliver-Dillon-72

Anne Jolly MBE, founder of SADS UK, said: “The charity is grateful to our dedicated fundraisers who raise awareness and funds through events held. SADS UK is very grateful to Oliver for her kind support in taking on the TCS London Marathon on April 23.

"We know the challenge involves a lot of training and dedication leading up to the day.  The funds raised will enable the charity to continue our work.  We wish Oliver all the best for the day which we know will be an amazing day in London.” 

SADS UK works in the areas of education, research, prevention and resuscitation, providing information about SADS. 

The charity promotes the warning signs that when shown that could indicate a person may be at risk, prompting them to seek medical advice and treatment if appropriate.  SADS UK also installs defibrillators in schools and widely in the community.

Further information about SADS can be found on the SADS UK website www.sadsuk.org