Sam and Steph Danton will be putting their hearts and soles into the British Heart Foundation’s first Blenheim Palace Half Marathon this weekend, in honour of their dad John who suffered a fatal heart attack three years ago.

Solicitor Sam, 26, and estate agent Steph, 29, both from Adderbury, will join about 3,000 runners on Sunday to raise money to fight heart disease.

Sam said: “My dad was just 56 when he suffered a fatal heart attack while on his way to Luton Airport for a business meeting. My mother Diane, 61, my sister and I were told the news from a fellow director of the company he worked at.

“No words could ever describe the shock, horror and anguish we all felt.

“As he was such a huge part of our lives his absence is felt every single day. I wish I had more time with him.

“Although heart disease runs in his family my dad had the ‘tough guy’ approach. He preferred to focus on the next business deal or spoiling his family, as opposed to putting himself and his health first.

“I think there are many men, like my dad, who should realise that being a dad, husband and friend is paramount and to ensure that they can share their lives with those who care about them so much.”

The family were supported by the British Heart Foundation and it was this help that led the sisters to sign up to the Blenheim Palace event.

Sam said: “I hope people will support us in our efforts to raise £500 for this amazing cause.”

Registration for the half marathon and 10km route is now closed, but on-the-day registration is available for the 2km family fun run.

To find out more, visit bhf.org.uk/blenheim or call the events team on 0800 169 3672 or email northwestwales@bhf.org.uk. To sponsor Sam and Steph visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Danton