A MAJOR event this weekend holds a very special place in these volunteers hearts. They have all entered a 10km run in aid of the British Heart Foundation, having experienced first-hand the trauma a heart condition can have. They ll be running, jogging an

A MAJOR event this weekend holds a very special place in these volunteers' hearts.

They have all entered a 10km run in aid of the British Heart Foundation, having experienced first-hand the trauma a heart condition can have.

They'll be running, jogging and walking around the beautiful grounds at Knebworth House on Sunday and they're urging people to join them and help save lives.

Jacqueline Drakes, of Aldock Road, Stevenage, is taking part.

Her daughter, Ana, is just three years old but has already had heart surgery - twice.

Mrs Drakes said: "Ana was born with severe narrowing of her aorta and a hole in the heart.

"She's had two operations, one when she was just a week old and then another just before her second birthday.

"She's really good now and doesn't have another appointment until August which means she'll have gone a year before seeing the doctor which is great.

"I'll be running it with my son and hopefully Ana will be walking some of it too if the weather's not too bad.

"It's just really nice to support the British Heart Foundation and feel like we're giving something back.

"The event's at a lovely location, which will make the event even better."

Linda Henson, also from Stevenage, suffered a heart attack when she was just 49.

Now 53, she is well recovered but still aware of the crucial role the British Heart Foundation plays.

She said: "I'm mainly doing it because of the heart attack I had, I felt I wanted to give something back for all the work they do.

"I just thought it was a great way of contributing.

"It's not a race so you can walk it or jog it so it's more about having fun.

"As long as you're taking part it doesn't matter about coming first."

Linda has entered alongside her daughter Paula and her friend Sharon and together they hope to raise £1,000.

Frances Gwilliams, from Stevenage, has discovered the joys of jogging at 46 and will be putting her new hobby into action this weekend.

She said: "My husband Douglas and I are dedicating this to our mothers.

"Mine had a heart attack recently and sadly last week Douglas's mother died after having a heart attack.

"It really brings it home, the need to look after yourself and keep healthy.

"I've been running now for a few months and go over to Fairlands Valley a lot so I'll be trying my hardest to run it on Sunday but I'll be pacing myself."

We at the Comet are joining in the action and there's still plenty of time to get involved.

Simply go to www.bhf.org.uk/eventfinder and register instantly online.

Alternatively turn up at Knebworth House on the day with a £5 entry fee and get running or walking. The event begins at 11am and there'll be a mass warm-up session at 10.30am.

All the money will go to the British Heart Foundation.

BHF event organiser Adam Brockett said: "Men, women and children are all at risk from the UK's single biggest killer.

"That's why we are asking for more people to get involved and to take part in the Knebworth jog.

"You too can help us fund pioneering research that saves and improves the lives of vulnerable hearts in crisis.