The director of hockey at London Wayfarers HC, Mark Atherton, has embarked on a significant challenge in honour of the late Emma Broad, a talented England hockey player. Emma tragically passed away at the young age of 16, and Atherton has initiated a 13-day running challenge to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) in her memory.
The 13 in 13 Challenge is a testament to Emma’s legacy and aims to raise awareness of the potentially life-threatening heart conditions that can affect seemingly healthy young individuals. Through this initiative, Atherton hopes to support CRY in their efforts to prevent sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening, and research, while also providing assistance to affected families.
Emma Broad was not only a promising hockey player for Surbiton HC but also a member of the England U16 girls team, which had recently participated in the Easter 4 Nations tournament in 2011. Her untimely passing, 13 years ago, serves as a sobering reminder of the silent dangers of cardiac conditions in young people.
In a heartfelt tribute, Atherton expressed, “May 22 will mark the 13th anniversary of the passing of Emma, a beautiful person and talented hockey player I used to coach. She sadly died in her sleep, aged just 16, as a result of sudden cardiac arrest. So often seen donning the #13 shirt, I have had an idea in mind for a while to remember Emma and to raise much-needed funds for the charity CRY.”
Emma’s father, Phil, shared his deep sorrow at her passing, stating, “It’s something no one can ever imagine – losing a child. I will never understand why someone so young had to be taken away from us like this. I have no one lasting memory of her. It was all of her. I was so proud of her.”
The team at The Hockey Paper extends their best wishes to Mark Atherton as he undertakes this remarkable challenge and endeavours to raise vital funds in memory of Emma. To learn more about the 13 in 13 Challenge and contribute to the fundraising efforts, visit the official website and Mark’s JustGiving page for this meaningful cause.
Remembering Emma Broad and supporting CRY through the 13 in 13 Challenge is a poignant demonstration of how sport can unite communities and raise awareness for important causes. This enduring tribute to Emma’s memory is a powerful testament to the lasting impact she made as both a talented athlete and a cherished individual.