Taking on a challenge close to his heart

Published: 10 June 2021

Not many people have what it takes to take on a gruelling marathon, but Khan Beyer has more reasons than most, and it’s one that’s close to his heart.

Khan had been planning to run 10km in the 2021 Wellington Marathon for a while with a target to raise $300 to help prevent heart disease and save lives in Aotearoa. 

Khan chose the Heart Foundation as the charity because his grandfather passed after suffering multiple cardiac events.  

However, in the lead up to the upcoming marathon, tragedy struck again.

“My work colleague, Damian, who was 55 at the time, had been feeling unwell and scheduled an appointment with a cardiologist for the following week,” he said, but just days before, he was found unresponsive at work after a heart attack.”

Khan works at Stuff.co.nz and the heartbreak was felt by everyone in the office.

He decided to increase the distance of his run to a half marathon and with that came an increase in support and funds.

“Then our CEO at Stuff heard about the run I was doing and decided to step in to help with a generous donation.” 

So far, Khan has already raised over $12,000 thanks to the kindness of loved ones and the donation of $10,000 from Stuff.

“I just want to raise as many funds as possible and hope that it will make some sort of difference to the heart health of New Zealanders,” he said.

His fundraising will have a significant impact on the Heart Foundation’s ability to save lives by raising awareness of the symptoms of heart disease and supporting Kiwis to look the health of our workmates and whanau. 

Khan has run in Round the Bays and several 10km marathons before, so he is no stranger to the strains it puts on the body. 

“I really enjoy running and now I have that extra inspiration to get across the finishing line.”

To support this amazing cause and please donate to Khan’s fundraising page.