A man from Rutland is fundraising for the British Heart Foundation following the loss of his brother last year.

John Houghton, a local brother, uncle and runner, is raising money in memory of his brother, Nick Houghton, who passed away in March 2023.

Nick, born and bred in Rutland, lived in Langham with his wife, Fiona - where the pair raised their four boys.

Sadly, in March 2023, Nick suffered a heart attack and passed away aged only 63. His passing was a shock to his family and the local, tight-knit community around them. Another shock came for the family when, only two weeks later, Nick and John's brother David also had a heart attack.

David survived thanks to quick intervention from the NHS.

As such, John has decided to undertake a running challenge to raise money for, and awareness of, the British heart Foundation.

Heart and circulatory diseases are the world's biggest killers, and that's why the British Heart Foundation exists. By funding research, the charity can help find treatments and cures that could save lives. With your donations and the awe-inspiring science they fund, the BHF "make science fiction a reality, together."

John Houghton explained: "I'm raising money for the British Heart Foundation, and I'd be so grateful for your support.

"In March 2023, I lost my brother Nick to a heart attack. Nick was a fit 63 year old, an aerobatics flying instructor and active member at Leicester Airfield, loving husband to Fiona and father of four sons. His passing was a huge shock to all the family.

"Two weeks after Nicks funeral younger brother David experienced a heart attack but luckily, through swift intervention from the NHS, survived. I myself have heart disease but manage a normal life thanks to our amazing NHS and the incredible treatment I received through early diagnosis and vital research.

"The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives. It's only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures. £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me hit my target. Thank you."

John will also be hosting a special British Heart Foundation fundraiser evening at the Mountain Restaurant at the Grange, just outside of Melton Mowbray, on 9 March.

The event will see participants enjoy delicious hot food, take part in a raffle and auction, all to raise money for the essential charity. The evening will conclude with live music from the famous local band the 'Locks'.

To support John's fundraising efforts, head to his justgiving page, where you can find out more about his training and upcoming fundraising event in March.

John has so far raised £1,652 (at the time of writing - 25/01/2024).