Guildford Mother to Run Ultramarathon in Memory of Her Husband

Published on: 16 Mar, 2025
Updated on: 18 Mar, 2025

Jojo Clark with her late husband, Matthew, and their children, Molly and Eddie

By Esme Campbell

Mother-of-two Jojo Clark, 39, who fought to save her husband’s life when he suffered a fatal heart attack, is taking on an ultramarathon in his memory.

The couple were enjoying a Sunday evening together in their home in Guildford when Jojo’s husband, Matthew, went into cardiac arrest shortly after complaining of indigestion. Jojo immediately began CPR after calling for an ambulance, but tragically, despite her efforts and those of the paramedics and hospital doctors, Matthew died.

The sudden loss of Matthew in January 2023 had a profound impact on Jojo and her children.

Taking up running provided an outlet to help Jojo cope, and she soon found a way of giving back to some of the organisations that had supported her children, Molly, 10, and Eddie, 6, after their loss.

To support the work of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which funds research into all cardiovascular conditions, Jojo is planning to run the 100km ultramarathon between London and Brighton on 24 May.

Jojo said: “Running has helped to keep me sane and healthy. I’d never been a runner before, but in six months I went from nothing to running a marathon. It’s become a part of my life now.

“I’m quite nervous about the distance, but I’m looking forward to the event. I know how quickly heart disease can take people away. If the money I raise can help save even just one life, it’ll be worth all the effort.”

Every day in Surrey eight people die from heart and circulatory diseases.

BHF Fundraising Manager, Ben Bishop, said: “Jojo’s story is a powerful reminder of the cruel way that heart conditions can shatter lives without warning.

“Funding research is the way we can turn scientists’ ideas into new tools that can better prevent or treat heart attacks.

“On behalf of everyone at the charity, I’d like to thank Jojo for taking on this very personal challenge. Good luck, I’m sure Matthew would be very proud of you.”

Jojo’s fundraising page: justgiving.com/page/jojo-clark-in-memory-of-matthew