THE family of a Team GB runner, who died from hypothermia when the weather on his afternoon run turned deadly, have launched a grant scheme in his name.
Chris Smith, 43, who was described as experienced and passionate about running, died on Perthshire hills when conditions deteriorated.
Despite meticulous planning, driving sleet, reduced visibility and a wind chill of -11c caused him to become disorientated, an inquest heard.
Chris Smith Memorial Fund Charitable Trust grant is launched
A post-mortem examination at the University Hospital in Dundee concluded he died from hypothermia.
The father-of-two was from Aberdeen, but lived in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, with his wife and two children.
To mark the six-month anniversary of his final run, his family have launched a grant scheme in his name to help athletes from all walks of life fulfil their potential.
By helping to cover the cost of vital kit, travel to often remote races and training camps, they want to break down the barriers that currently stand in the way of talented athletes competing at the highest level.
Wife Lindsay said: “After Chris died, I was struck by how many people said Chris had advised them on running, this meant so much to hear this.
"Using this fund to help other athletes achieve their goals seems such a fitting tribute to Chris.”
The objective of the Chris Smith Memorial Fund Charitable Trust Fund will be to facilitate the advancement of running related sport, with a particular focus on hill running, via the provision of grants to aspiring athletes.
These grants could help to fund travel to a key race, pay for new kit, or any other way that ultimately supports those that want to develop in the sport.
Marianne, Chris’s sister said: “Our hope is that these grants will allow people the opportunities to access the benefits and experiences that athletics and running can bring.
“Whether it’s a PE teacher seeking funds for a promising athlete to get running shoes, to apply to attend a mountain running event, or to join a local athletics club we are very excited to be able to support disadvantaged young people in this way and it is a lasting legacy for Chris.
“He really would have loved that we are doing this and it’s really special to be able to support young athletes that perhaps wouldn’t have gained these experiences otherwise in his name .“
A website will soon be launched with details of how to apply for the grant and the family looks forward to working with running organisations in order to promote it to those who need it.
As the fund transitions to its new charitable trust status, the Total Giving site will be closed on 30 June 2021.
If you wish to make any donations to the fund, please do so by visitingtotalgiving.co.uk/appeal/chrissmith?fbclid=IwAR2vzrIqx2_Sf-a1pwPPCSaewlH3t7l__2YqqG11oi46Us2KtebFJunurMo.
To find out more about these plans and how the money is spent, follow the Chris Smith Memorial Fund on Facebook and Twitter @csmemorialfund. You can also email: chrissmithmemorialfund@gmail.com.
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