BACK in March more than 300 joggers set off in Knebworth Park for the British Heart Foundation s (BHF) first 10k historic house jog. The event has raised £11,100 so far. As part of the run, Mark Jennings, manager of North Herts Leisure Centre, offered to

BACK in March more than 300 joggers set off in Knebworth Park for the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) first 10k historic house jog.

The event has raised £11,100 so far.

As part of the run, Mark Jennings, manager of North Herts Leisure Centre, offered to donate a year's free membership to the individual who raised the most amount of sponsor shipmoney for the event.

The prize went to Simone Martin of Letchworth who raised £570 for the BHF.

Simone took part in the event with her fellow jogger Claire Harald who also raised £150 from the jog.

Claire said: "I support the BHF however I can. Both my mother and niece Amy have heart conditions so the chance to take part in something I enjoy and to raise money for a cause close to my heart was very satisfying."

Claire's niece, Amy Lucas, 14, was born with a heart defect and doctors at the time had varying opinions on Amy's life expectancy.

Claire said: "When Amy was born we had no idea as to whether she would reach her next birthday but over the years the research into heart and circulatory disease has greatly improved due to research funded by the BHF."

Amy's future is far brighter and she is able to live the life of a normal 14-year-old. She is a budding actress, having starred for three months at the Almeda Theatre, London, and has appeared in adverts on TV.

Both Claire and Simone are hoping to take part in next year's Knebworth 10k jog and raise more funds to enable the BHF to continue its fight against heart disease.

Adam Brockett, BHF regional events organiser, said: "Amy is just another example of how it's not only old, unhealthy smokers that are at risk from heart disease but unfortunately new born babies as well. Amy is a living example of how research and constantly updating medical methods and techniques can massively affect a person's life.

"The BHF needs your money to continue to develop and research into lifesaving and breakthrough treatments to find a cure for, and to treat heart and circulatory disease."

* Outstanding sponsor money from the Knebworth Jog should be sent to: BHF East Region Events Office, PO Box 168, Royston, SG8 5WR.