Daughter's London Marathon run in memory of Wirral dad

Graham Stazicker, who lived in West Kirby, passed away in July last year after suffering a cardiac arrest at work. He was 64.

Daughter Stephanie is taking part in the London Marathon on April 21 in aid aid of The British Heart Foundation.

The 25-year-old, who lives in West Kirby, has raised just over £3,000, smashing her original target of £500.

Paying tribute to dad-of-three Graham, Stephanie, said: "Dad was a much-loved character and known by many across lots of communities through his salesman role and love of networking.

"I would just like to highlight how much my dad gave to his family. We were his whole world and everyone who knew him knew this too, as well as his wisdom and helpful words, something I have missed deeply in this training process.

Graham Stazicker, pictured with his family, passed away in July last year after suffering a cardiac arrest at work. He was 64 (Image: Stephanie Stazicker)"He was a loving and caring dad - he was largely outnumbered with a house full of girls, but he has always instilled in us girls to be kind, work hard, be independent and family-orientated always, which has shown in our time of grief and how we have only been brought closer together.

"Doing the marathon and raising such a large sum of money in his honour has been such a privilege and I don’t yet think I have fully comprehended how much of a massive thing this has been particularly to commit to it all through grief.

"I take great comfort in knowing my dad would be proud of what I have done and will be with me in his own way to get me round the marathon route.

Stephanie Stazicker's London Marathon t-shirt (Image: Stephanie Stazicker)"I might not be able to bring my dad back but I can show others there are positive ways to deal with hard times.

"Dad had underlying heart condition but was in good health at time of his death so this has been a complete shock.

"Sadly he has left behind myself aged 25, two sisters aged 23 and 17 and my lovely mum.

"I accepted my London Marathon place in September 23, not even remembering applying in the fresh weeks of grief but wanting to find an outlet for the emotions and difficulties that come with losing a parent, especially so young."

Looking forward to taking part in the event, Stephanie added: "It's the first time I've ever done anything, so have put a lot of time into it.

"My dad used to say 'go hard or go home'. That was his attitude to life and I have inherited that from him.

"I have gone from couch to marathon which has been intense and hard work at times on top of managing and dealing with the huge loss my family has experienced.

"I am hoping to raise awareness of heart conditions through my fundraising efforts as well as giving hope to young people like myself and siblings that losing a parent young doesn't mean your world has ended.

"The journey and emotions are hard but we have the ability to make positive experience out of something life changing and difficult.

"We have to run the race we are given not the one we hoped for. It's what you do when running that counts and helps you heal."

Stephanie Stazicker's London Marathon t-shirt (Image: Stephanie Stazicker)Explaining her reasons for taking part in the marathon, Stephanie continued: "I am running this marathon not just to support the research and support offered by the BHF but for all of those individuals who have lost their parent young and don't know how they will cope.

"This time last year my life was settled and so different.

"I could never have dreamed of even attempting 5k let alone the 42k that makes up the marathon."

To support Stephanie's marathon effort by donating, go to: https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/stephanie-stazicker