London Marathon record attempt full of heart

“I noticed my training was slowing down before winter, but after receiving advice from my grandfather who has been participating in marathons since the 1970s it has come on leaps and bounds.”

Chris Taylor, third-year BA (Hons) Geography student from Staffordshire University

A Geography student hopes to make London Marathon history by completing the race with a life-saving device attached to his heart.

Chris Taylor, who is in his third-year of a BA(Hons) Geography degree at Staffordshire University, suffered a cardiac arrest only 12 months ago and was inspired to participate in the marathon while being treated in hospital.

Chris aged 22, from Lynham said: “In hospital I realised that the people who suffer from the same heart condition as me are generally a lot older and less able to participate in an event like the London Marathon.

“I am racing for the British Heart Foundation to raise the profile of Left Ventricular Non-Compaction for all those people who can't.”

As a result of his cardiac arrest, Chris, who has suffered with the rare genetic heart disease from birth, had surgery to permanently attach a defibrillator to his heart to help regulate his heartbeat.

The defibrillator does pose one challenge ahead of the record attempt, while athletes competing in the marathon will see their heartbeat reach 200 beats per minute, Chris’s defibrillator restricts his heart to just 100. 

“The defibrillator gives out a shock to the heart If it goes above 100 beats per minute, so i have had to approach the marathon carefully and when it comes to the race I will be pacing myself by alternating between running and walking.

“I noticed my training was slowing down before winter, but after receiving advice from my grandfather who has been participating in marathons since the 1970s, it has come on leaps and bounds.”

Chris is aiming to complete the marathon in less than six hours and is thankful for the support his fellow students and friends have given him since his cardiac arrest.

“My doctor suggested cycling was an ideal exercise to build my strength up, so my friend James got hold of a bike so we can train together regularly in preparation.”

The London Marathon takes place on the April 22 and you can support Chris by sponsoring him via JustGiving