A DAD is fighting for his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest just one mile from the finish line of the London Marathon.
Gareth Hopkins, 43, was running in memory of his nan to raise money for Age UK.
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Gareth Hopkins works as a paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service but is currently in intensive care in a London hospital
The 43-year-old was running the London Marathon to raise money for Age UK
The paramedic is currently being treated in intensive care in a London hospital.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help his family.
Gareth’s pal James Pearson wrote on the page: “While the future remains uncertain, we continue to stay hopeful and positive.
“This sudden and devastating event has had a profound impact on Gareth’s wife, Jodie, their young children, his parents, and his brother.
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“Gareth has dedicated the past 20 years to serving others as a paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service.
“Throughout his career, he has always been committed to helping people in their time of need.
“Many friends, family, and colleagues have kindly asked how they can support Gareth and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
“In response, we have set up this page to help ease some of the financial and practical pressures while Gareth receives treatment in London.”
Gareth and his brother Chris both entered the marathon to honour their grandmother Tricia Potts, who died in January last year, following a six year battle against Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Gareth, from Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, took up running in late August.
He told the BBC before the race: “I’ve never done any exercise for five years. I don’t go to the gym; I’m not a runner. I watched Chris do it last year… and I thought ‘I can probably do that.’”
Gareth added he was determined to finish the marathon “regardless”, having lost a stone in weight and training for the 26-mile race.
He told The Comet in March: “My career has shown me how much a little support can change a life, and my nan’s journey showed me how much we need to do to fight dementia.”
He added: “This is a massive personal challenge for me. Until recently, I didn’t exercise at all. I started ‘Couch to 5K’ last year and found it incredibly tough.
“Going from that to 26.2 miles is daunting, but after watching my brother and friends complete the marathon last year, I knew I had to try.”
This year’s London Marathon, which took place last Saturday, raised some £87.5million for charity.
Kenyan Sabastian Sawe set a new world record for the fastest marathon ever in a time of 1.59.30. Gareth’s GoFundMe page has raised more than £22,300 and anyone wanting to contribute can click here.
