Nathan Cole is lacing up his running shoes for a powerful cause this Sunday, 11 May, as he takes on the Sunderland City Half Marathon in aid of Red Sky Foundation. His motivation is deeply personal, as his young niece Nancy suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in November 2024, when she was just four years old.
In an incredible act of courage, Nathan’s brother (Nancy’s father) performed CPR while Nancy’s mother raced to their local defibrillator point. The defibrillator she retrieved was a Red Sky Foundation community device – match-funded by local residents from Ryhope, Sunderland. Paramedics later told the family that the swift actions of Nancy’s parents likely saved her life.
While Nancy was being treated at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, Red Sky Foundation stepped in to support the family through every step of the ordeal. The charity provided emergency accommodation at Scott House, which is sponsored by Red Sky, as well as supplying parent support bags filled with everyday essentials. They also delivered moments of joy for the children on the ward, handing out ice creams every Friday.
The support didn’t stop there. Red Sky Foundation gave the family a defibrillator to keep at home and arranged counselling for both her parents to help them through the emotional aftermath.
Nathan said:
“We’ll never forget what Red Sky did for our family. It wasn’t just about the equipment, it was the kindness, the support, the way they looked after us when everything was falling apart. Running this half marathon is my way of saying thank you and to make sure Red Sky Foundation has the funding it needs to support other families in the same position.”
Sergio Petrucci, founder of Red Sky Foundation, said:
“Many of our runners have a special reason for choosing a Red Sky Foundation running vest and Nathan’s story about giving back after the support his family received from us really touched our hearts. We’re delighted Nancy’s outcome is one to celebrate and we wish Nathan and all of the people taking part the very best of luck.”
Steve Cram, Race Director for the Sunderland City Run, added:
“It’s incredibly moving to see runners like Nathan take on the Sunderland City Run for such a deeply personal cause. Red Sky Foundation’s work is literally life-saving, as Nancy’s story so powerfully shows. Their defibrillators and support for families in crisis are making a real difference in our communities. We’re proud to have them as our charity partner.”
Red Sky Foundation continues to raise vital funds to provide defibrillators across the region and support cardiac care for children and families when they need it most.
Red Sky Foundation is on a mission to support people living with heart conditions – from birth and beyond.
‘We’re here for those who need lifelong cardiac care, and for the families who walk that journey with them.
We do this by funding vital equipment, awarding grants, and raising awareness – all to help relieve sickess and protect health across the UK.
We’re proud to support the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, as well as other NHS cardiac units and health services across the region.
Red Sky Foundation also places life-saving defibrillators in schools and public spaces – working closely with local councils and education teams. Alongside this, we partner with other organisations to offer free training and education – from CPR and defibrillator use to more advanced support for children and adults living with heart conditions.
Together, we’re helping hearts beat stronger, for life.’
For more information visit: www.redskyfoundation.com
Register Your Donor Decision: www.organdonation.nhs.uk
Sunderland City Half Marathon
Sunderland City Runs on 11 May 2025 is a celebration of running in the city, and includes a Half Marathon and a flat and fast 10K.
Routes race through the city and along the sea front, with one of the famous bridges providing a stunning backdrop to all distances.
The first Sunderland City 10K event was held in 2011 with just over 1500 taking part. 14 years later the Sunderland City Runs will welcome around 5000 participants to the city streets.
For more information visit https://sunderlandcity10k.com/
