A determined Bexley woman who bravely tried to save her father's life after collapsing last year is now hoping to raise thousands for a charity he held "close to his heart".

Sally Spicer, 22 and of Bexley, will be running in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday, October 13, for the Freddie Farmer Foundation, a charity that helps children with cerebral palsy and a charity that named her late father, Stuart Spicer, an ambassador.

Stuart tragically passed away on December 7, 2018, after suffering from a fatal heart attack while he was exercising.

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Stuart with Sally's mum. Credit Sally Smith

He was later found lying on the floor by Sally and her mother who both began trying to revive him.

"When I went downstairs, I could see my dad on the floor," said Sally.

"I checked for a pulse but could not find one, he was already cold and blueish indicating that he could have been lying dead for hours before mum discovered him.

"I tried to perform CPR, as did my mum, because we couldn’t just sit there doing nothing. Unfortunately, we were much too late," she continued.

Back in 2016, Stuart suffered what was deemed at the time to be a minor heart attack, pushing him to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

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Sally with dad Stuart on a fancy dress night out. Credit: Sally Smith

Despite his unfortunate passing, Stuart was best known for being a fitness fanatic and spending time cooking with daughter Sally, something which she says brought them closer together.

"When dad had his minor heart attack the hospital prescribed him various medications, most of which would make him feel sick," said Sally.

"He realised there must be an easier approach to his recovery and subsequently sought nutritional advice at BodyWell in Cambridge.

"When I was younger, we weren’t that close but the more he got into health and fitness the more we started to get along.

"We’d talk everyday about new things he was trying out and he loved to cook recipes for me and my brother.

"Dad would send me, my nan, and my brother links to different news articles on health, exercise, and recipes.

"I’m currently studying Naturopathic Nutrition at college and it’s the course my dad was hoping to enrol on so that one day we could open our own practice together," she continued.

Despite never having been a runner, Sally’s determination to make her father proud is what drove her to run the half marathon alongside her three cousins and two of her close friends.

"I don’t even run for buses."So participation in the event is mostly of sentimental value to me, and it may even give me some closure regarding my dad’s passing.

"I don’t mind what time I complete the race in, I just want to finish it for my dad."

Those wishing to contribute to Sally's cause can do so

here.