Entrepreneur John Williams to Run Half Marathon in Memory of His Father

John Williams, co-founders of one of Wiltshire’s most successful heating and plumbing companies, has been pounding the streets over the summer training for the Chippenham half marathon in memory of his father.

Steve Williams, well known and loved in the town, passed away suddenly in December 2017 due to heart failure at the age of 75. 

John said: “Losing my dad so suddenly and so unexpectedly was devastating for me, my mum, my wife, my children – everyone in our family. Anyone who has lost someone suddenly will know how your life is blown apart by such a loss. As time has gone by I’ve felt that doing something in his memory is a positive acknowledgement of the love we all have for him.”

With the support of his wife Debbie, mum Pauline and his daughters Georgina and Katie, John pledged to raise at least £500 for the British Heart Foundation by taking part in the event on Sunday September 9. He’s already reached more than £1,000. 

Not only is John taking part in the half marathon (which is celebrating its 10thanniversary this year), his company is also one of the event’s three main sponsors. 

This year though John is on a more personal mission to honour his father’s life. 

“Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is a huge issue in our society causing more than a quarter of all UK deaths (26 per cent). One person dies every three minutes with CVD,” John said. 

“It’s easy to spout figures like this – however it hurts deeply when your own loved one is one of those people behind the statistics. Just £24 pays for two hours’ research into the causes of heart disease. The British Heart Foundation has worked tirelessly to reduce these big numbers (and there has been a large reduction) yet more research and education is needed to support early diagnosis and help people live with healthy hearts.”

The Chippenham Half Marathon takes place from 9.30am on Sunday September 9 and John’s JustGiving page for anyone who wishes to make a donation in memory of his dad is here - https://bit.ly/2twjpOS

John Williams Heating Services is based on the Bumpers Farm Industrial Estate in Chippenham. For more details visit http://jwheating.co.uk