Tracey on a SADs fund-raising mission

CAMPAIGNING mum Tracey Antcliffe has organised a sponsored walk as part of her crusade to raise awareness of undiagnosed heart conditions.

Tracey, whose son Daniel Antcliffe died of Sudden Adult Death syndrome, is raising cash to provide more defibrillators for Rotherham schools.Last week she handed over defibrillators to staff at whiston Worrygoose Primary School and Dinnington Comprehensive School, which were paid for out of the £2,400 raised at last year's fund-raising drive.

Tracey, of Blyth Close, Whiston, said: “It was great to see our work rewarded with the hand over of the defibrillators. This year we’re going to aim to raise enough money to provide another three.”

Next month’s seven-mile sponsored walk is being organised by Tracey and her brother Simon Ash and will start from Whiston and will pass through Clifton Park and the Town centre.

Last year, around 100 walkers took part in the event and this year the walk will also act as a memorial for Simon’s close friend Michael Whinfrey.

The 42-year-old father-of-three was killed in a gas blast at Templeborough-based Sterecycle recycling plant in January.

Simon said: “He was a good friend and we want to put some of the money from this year's event towards a plaque in his memory that can be placed at the Sterecycle site.

“Daniel and Michael died on the same day, two years apart, and their birthdays were just a day apart.

“We're doing the walk on what would have been Michael's birthday. It should be a sad occasion but we want it to be a celebration of the lives of both Daniel and Michael.”

The charity walk will be followed up with a free night of buffet food and musical entertainment at the Prince of Wales Hotel on Princes Street, Masbrough.

A raffle will also be held with an array of donated prizes, ranging from signed football shirts to a tattoo.

Tracey said: “I have to say a huge thanks to Simon and all the people that donated prizes.

“This year’s fund-raising looks like it should be bigger and better than ever and next year we'll hopefully be donating three defibrillators to Rotherham Schools.”

Anyone wanting to get involved with the sponsored walk should contact Simon via email to [email protected].