Tributes paid to 'beloved son' who died in Great Bristol Run
Mike Harper, who was 26, passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest in this year's Half Marathon
Tributes are being paid to a 'beloved son and lifelong friend' who died at this year's Great Bristol Run.
Mike Harper, who was 26, passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest in this year's Half Marathon.
His family have shared his story with Cardiac Arrest for the Young - adding he left his mark, working up and down the country.
On their website, they said: "Mike is a beloved son, incredible brother, loving partner and lifelong friend. He is loved by so many, and left his mark all across the country. Born in Lincoln and a pupil of LSST, Mike then graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2019. He relocated to Bristol for his work for Laing O’Rourke as a Quantity Surveyor at Hinckley Point. He spent the rest of his life working for Laings, even fulfilling his London dream with them by relocating in 2023 to work on the Olympia redevelopment. In his last years, he spent his time travelling, running, playing football or partying with friends as well as exploring everything the city had to offer with his amazing partner Ailsa.
"We are devastated to say we lost Mike to a sudden cardiac arrest whilst running in the Bristol Half Marathon, a city he once called home. He had no known health issues or family history of young sudden cardiac death. He was otherwise healthy and always prioritised fitness. This loss has been so unimaginably difficult to come to terms with and CRY offer such important support. We’d love if you have the means to donate to CRY to help us raise money to aid cardiac screening and raise awareness of the potential risk of cardiac arrest in youth. The charity also provide screening for immediate family members due to the connection between sudden cardiac death and genetics.
"And for Mike, we don’t want any one else to lose anybody in this cruel and shocking way. Thank you for your generosity and ongoing support,"
They have set up a memorial fund to help the Cardiac Risk in the Young charity - to help raise awareness of young sudden cardiac death, support those affected, and help to fund new research into the condition.
Read more: 26 year old man dies after Great Bristol Run