Fundraising climb in memory of tragic James

May 10 2007 By Alison Dayani, Birmingham Mail

TRAGIC James Blackhurst was only 22 and just starting out in life when a sudden, unexpected heart attack brought his dreams to an end.

The shock and heartbreak for family and friends of the popular bank worker, who worked in Edgbaston, was immense.

But they pulled together and put their heart into James' Walk in a bid to stop such a nightmare happening to other families.

On a bright brisk morning, a group of 83 loved ones, including colleagues from the Royal Bank of Scotland, where James worked for four years as a claims adviser, headed off to one of his favourite spots in Bryncrug, Wales.

They made the most poignant climb of their lives and even formed the letter J on Foel Gocyn Hill as a tribute to young footballer James.

And that effort has now raised more than £5,500 for the British Heart Foundation towards vital research into heart conditions.

Donna Stokes, fundraising manager for British Heart Foundation, said: "This was such a tragic loss and we really appreciate James' family and friends for thinking of the British Heart Foundation."

"Heart disease can affect anyone, young, old, male or female, it doesn't discriminate.

James, who was one of five brothers, collapsed and died of a heart attack in February last year.

Every two minutes, someone in the UK has a heart attack, but only half survive.

The British Heart Foundation is a charity dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information.