A TEENAGER who lost both his parents to heart problems is to run next month’s Kirkbymoorside 10k in their memory.

William Lyon-Tupman, from Malton, is raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

The 18-year-old’s father Andrew, a classics teacher, died in 1999 and his mother, Gillian Guildford, founder member of the Trout Trio of Flutes, died in 2008, the day before her 47th birthday.

William, who is studying A-levels at Ampleforth College, said: “I am running the Kirkbymoorside 10K, in memory of my parents, and to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, a charity which works tirelessly to prevent heart disease.

“I love running. It has been a hobby of mine for several years now, and I am a member of Ampleforth College’s senior cross-country and athletics teams. But now, I also have the chance to really make a difference, by raising money for this vital charity.”

William said he had stepped up his training and was running about 30-35 miles a week.

“I am very grateful for any sponsorship I receive. One hundred per cent of any money I receive in sponsorship is going straight to the British Heart Foundation,” he said.

“I’ve done the Kirkbymoorside 10k for the past two years and I’ve always enjoyed it. I’m very much looking forward to this one – it will be a very special run for me.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor William can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/Will-Lyon-Tupman