Tributes as 2 men die in race tragedy
A YOUNG runner from the Vale of Glamorgan has been named as one of two men who died after completing the Cardiff Half Marathon at the weekend.
Tributes have been paid to Ben McDonald (above) by devastated family and friends.
THE two young runners who died after completing the Cardiff Half Marathon have been named.
Ben McDonald, 25, from the Vale of Glamorgan, and dad-ofone Dean Fletcher, 32, from Exeter, both suffered cardiac arrests after crossing the finish line on Sunday.
The pair were taken to the University Hospital of Wales (UHW), Cardiff, but medics were unable to save them.
Ben, who was taking part in the race for the first time, was running alongside girlfriend Amy, brothers Steve and Andrew, brother-in-law Paddy and sisters-in-law Kate and Alix.
The Cardiff Met graduate had worked at the Cardiff White Water Centre in Cardiff Bay since the age of 16, qualified as a teacher and was a keen body- boarder, snowboarder and kayaker.
His girlfriend Amy Stanton Foo said she “could not imagine life without him”.
She said he finished in 1:52:37 but went into cardiac arrest on the finish line.
“He was taken to the emergency tent and treated accordingly before he was rushed to the Heath hospital. He went on to life support but unfortunately the doctors couldn’t help him,” she said.
“His parents were present when the life support was turned off, and myself and all of his siblings were there shortly after.
“From our knowledge he wouldn’t have suffered any pain, and when I went to say goodbye he looked peaceful.”
She said the Cardiff Half Marathon was his first but that he had been training for several weeks and had run the same distance with one of his brothers, Steve, five days earlier.
Amy described him as “very intelligent, talented and loving, a son, brother, friend and boyfriend”.
She said: “I want him to be remembered for the happy, smiley, adventurous, loving person that he was – it’s what he would’ve wanted. Words can’t describe the heartbreak and devastation myself and his family are going through.”
Heartfelt tributes to the 25-year-old have been posted on social media, including one from Jude Holden which read: “He will remain in my heart a man of beauty, grace, flare, thoughtfulness and fun.
“We miss you Benny but we will see you again.”
Melanie Ryan wrote: “Absolutely tragic news. My thoughts are with you.”
Dean Fletcher was a fatherof-one and leaves behind wife Katie and young daughter Evie.
He had previously studied at Cardiff University and was fundraising for “life-changing research into neuroscience and mental health”, a subject he said was “very close to my heart”.
He left Cardiff University with a first-class honours degree in accounting and finance. After graduating, Dean moved to Exeter where he enjoyed a successful accountancy career.
He was described as an “amazing husband and father”.
On his Justgiving page, he wrote: “Please help me raise vital funds to help support Cardiff University undertake life changing research into neuroscience and mental health.
“A subject very close to my heart and one that has probably impacted all of us in one way or another either personally or through friends and family. Let’s help smart people change the world for the better!”
Deputy vice-chancellor of Cardiff University, Professor Karen Holford, said: “This news will come as a shock to everybody involved with Team Cardiff and indeed the whole Cardiff University community.
“We offer our sincerest condolences to the families and friends involved.”
Chief executive of Run 4 Wales Matt Newman, who organised the Cardiff Half Marathon, said this was a “terrible tragedy” for both families.
He said: “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of both Ben and Dean.
“The medical team and emergency services reacted to this terrible situation with great speed and professionalism. Everyone connected with the race is devastated.
“We are in close contact with the families and will continue to support them in every way we can.”
Mr Newman said the two men were the first fatalities in the 15-year history of the race.