Brothers run in Mick's memory (From Watford Observer)

Brothers run in Mick's memory

1:44pm Monday 7th July 2008 in Search Module

A family from Watford turned out in force at the British London 10K yesterday (in memory of much loved and missed member Mick Salmon, who died aged 37, from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Mick’s four brothers Scott, Chris, Glenn and Jeff ran in the event to raise money for the Cardiomyopathy Association (CMA), a charity that provides information and support to people with the heart condition.

Their wives and eight children, all wearing CMA T-shirts, were on the course cheering them on and raising awareness of the charity.

Mick, who worked in the entertainment industry and appeared fit and healthy, was on his way to a match at Watford Football Club when he collapsed and died suddenly 13 years ago.

The brothers, two of whom regularly run against each other, decided to put competition aside so they could all complete Sunday’s run side by side.

Jeff, 42, from Rickmansworth Road, Croxley Green, said: “Being competitive on this day would not have been suitable. As it is such a high profile race in London we thought what better way is there to raise awareness of the condition and support other families who have lost someone or are being treated for the condition?”

Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, usually develops in the teenage years or twenties and is the biggest medical cause of sudden death in young people. But when found in time can usually be successfully treated. Jeff, who runs his own local joinery business Avalon Interiors, said: “It was a terrible shock when Mick died. He was a great bloke and had only just got engaged. He was a profession entertainer, comedian and DJ and spent most his time making us laugh.

“At the same time we also learned the condition was usually inherited, so all the family have had to have heart checks. Thankfully everyone is fine at the moment, though all the 13 children will continue to have heart checks until they are much older.”

Running with Jeff were Chris, 52, a senior IT manager with Orange, from Wells in Somerset; Glenn, 46, who works in IT sales for Compel and comes from Ruislip and Scott, 48, a chief inspector with Surrey Police, who lives in Tongham, Surrey.

All four come from Watford and still support the town’s football team.

The brothers, some of whom did more training than others, completed the run in 59 mins and 49 secs and hope to have raised more than £3,000 for the Cardiomyopathy Association. To help them raise more, go to www.justgiving.com/scottsalmon and make a donation.

Jeff said: “It was a great day despite the rain, with fantastic support from the other 25,000 runners, officials, the CMA support team and, of course, the Salmon WATs (Wives and Teenagers).

“We are certain Mick was with us in spirit throughout and would be proud and delighted we have raised so much for the Cardiomyopathy Association in his memory.”