Campaign
Ben McDonald Screening Fund
The Ben McDonald Screening Fund supports Calon Hearts’ work to provide heart screening opportunities, raise awareness of undiagnosed cardiac conditions and help protect more young people and families.
Campaign
The Ben McDonald Screening Fund supports Calon Hearts’ work to provide heart screening opportunities, raise awareness of undiagnosed cardiac conditions and help protect more young people and families.
Ben’s Story
On 7 October 2018, Ben McDonald died at the finish line of the Cardiff Half Marathon. He was 25 years old, fit and healthy, and his death was caused by an undiagnosed heart condition.
Ben’s family have spoken about the shock and devastation of losing someone so loved, full of life and full of promise. They remember Ben as funny, generous, caring, adventurous, always smiling and deeply loved by his family and friends.
The Ben McDonald Screening Fund exists because Ben’s family and supporters want to help prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak. Their support helps Calon Hearts raise awareness, encourage screening and fund practical life-saving work across communities.
Ben’s legacy continues through every person encouraged to get their heart screened, every supporter who fundraises in his memory, and every family helped by earlier awareness and action.
Why Screening Matters
Some heart conditions can remain undiagnosed, even in people who appear fit, healthy and active. Heart screening can help identify potential problems before they lead to a serious cardiac event.
The Ben McDonald Screening Fund helps support Calon Hearts’ commitment to making heart screening more accessible, encouraging young people to get checked and helping families understand the importance of early detection.
By raising awareness and supporting screening opportunities, Ben’s family and supporters are helping turn a devastating loss into practical action that could save lives.
BenJam Legacy
In May 2019, Ben’s family held The BenJam festival, bringing people together through music and community to raise vital funds for the Ben McDonald Heart Screening Fund.
That spirit of community fundraising is central to the fund. It gives friends, family, runners, workplaces and supporters a way to remember Ben while helping Calon Hearts continue its practical prevention work.
Every event, challenge and donation helps turn awareness into action and supports more young people to access screening. So, what are you going to do? To support the Ben McDonald Heart Screening Fund, visit our Fundraising page.
Support The Fund
You can support the fund by donating, fundraising, sharing Ben’s story and encouraging people you love to learn about heart screening.
Use Calon Hearts’ JustGiving page as the trusted public donation and fundraising route for supporting life-saving work.
Support On JustGivingUse the campaign pack to support fundraising activity in memory of Ben and in support of heart screening.
Download PackFind more ways to support Calon Hearts through challenges, community events, workplace activity and campaign fundraising.
Fundraise For Calon HeartsHelp continue Ben’s legacy by supporting life-saving heart screenings and raising awareness of undiagnosed cardiac conditions. Every donation helps Calon Hearts protect more young people and families.