A WEE COUNTY gym is encouraging as many people to sign up for the Alloa Half Marathon in memory of one of their members.

Aiden Joyce was just 28 when he suddenly passed away due to complications from an undiagnosed coronary heart anomaly in March.

Now, members of his former gym uGym Tillicoultry are urging as many people to sign up for the half marathon to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity that aims to raise awareness of screening young people for heart issues.

Jack Urquhart, owner of uGym, said: “What we want to do is to get as many people as we can to run the half marathon to raise money for the charity and remember Aiden, whether that’s our gym members, his colleagues at Police Scotland or the local community.

“We want to support Aiden’s mother and father, Lorraine and Campbell and his girlfriend, Claire.”

Aiden’s mother, Lorraine, suggested the fundraiser idea as Aiden was busy training for the half marathon at the time of his death.

Lorraine is raising money to provide a series of screening days for young people in Clackmannanshire to get themselves tested for heart conditions.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Lorraine said: “After Aiden’s death, £10,500 was raised through a Just Giving page set up by one of his friends.

“We set up a memorial fund through CRY for Aiden and we were eager to arrange screening days so added the money to the fund.

“Alva Academy has kindly agreed to host these screening days. We have booked two days in May 2024 when 200 young people between the ages of 14-35 can book a test through the CRY website.

“We hope that with the support of members of Police Scotland, uGym and the local community, we can continue to support and raise money for more of these tests to be carried out.”

Money raised from participants entering the race will be added to Aiden’s fund, with the long-term goal to organise screening dates on an annual basis.

This fundraiser is in partnership with Police Scotland, with Aiden serving as an active police officer prior to his passing.

Sergeant Martyn Paterson at Police Scotland added: “Aiden was a good friend and colleague of mine and I always enjoyed being in his company.

“After Aiden’s tragic passing in March, alongside a number of Aiden’s colleagues, I ran the Alloa Half Marathon this year in his memory where we raised money for CRY.

“I am encouraging Aiden’s colleagues to take part in the 2024 Alloa Half Marathon to continue raising funds for this invaluable charity.”