Calon Hearts has appointed Rhi Russell as its new Vice President, bringing together two women whose lives have been forever changed by the sudden loss of their sons, but who are united in their determination to prevent other families experiencing the same heartbreak.
Rhi’s appointment sees her join Calon Hearts President Ruth McDonald, in a leadership role within the charity. Both women lost their sons after they collapsed at the finish line of major half marathons while appearing fit, healthy and active.
Ruth's son, Ben McDonald, was 25 when he died after completing the Cardiff Half Marathon in October 2018. His death led to the creation of the Ben McDonald Heart Screening Fund, which has helped provide thousands of free heart screenings for young people across Wales and beyond, through Calon Hearts.
Rhi’s son, Kory Russell, also aged 25, died after collapsing at the finish line of the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London in October 2025. Like Ben, Kory was a fit and active young man whose death came as a devastating shock to his family, friends and wider community.
Together, Ruth and Rhi will now help champion the work of Calon Hearts, raising awareness of the importance of heart screening, improving access to lifesaving equipment and supporting families affected by sudden cardiac death.
Sharon Owen, Founder and Chief Executive of Calon Hearts, said:
"Having Ruth as our President has been incredibly powerful. She has turned unimaginable heartbreak into a determination to help others and has become a passionate advocate for heart screening and prevention. To now welcome Rhi as our Vice President is incredibly special.
"Whilst no parent would ever want to join this club, Ruth and Rhi understand one another in a way that few people can. They have both experienced the devastating loss of a son, but they have also chosen to honour their boys by helping us save lives. Having these two remarkable women working alongside Calon Hearts will help us reach even more people with our message."
Rhi said:
"Losing Kory has changed our lives forever. No parent should have to experience the loss of a child, especially when that child appeared so fit, healthy and full of life.
"Since Kory died, we have been overwhelmed by the support of our family, friends and community. Through that support, I have come to understand just how important organisations like Calon Hearts are. If sharing Kory's story encourages even one person to get their heart checked, then something positive can come from our loss.
"I am honoured to accept the role of Vice President and to work alongside Ruth, Sharon and the wider Calon Hearts family to raise awareness of heart screening and help prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak that ours has."
Ruth McDonald, President of Calon Hearts, said:
"When Ben died in 2018, our world stopped. The pain never leaves you, but over the years we have found some comfort in creating a legacy that helps protect other young people through heart screening.
"My heart breaks for Rhi and her family because I know some of what they are going through. Nobody should have to walk this path. However, I also know that both Kory and Ben's legacies will live on through every life that may be saved as a result of the awareness their stories continue to generate.
"I am delighted to welcome Rhi as Vice President. Together we will continue doing everything we can to encourage more people to get screened, ask questions about their heart health and support the vital work of Calon Hearts."
Since being established, Calon Hearts has screened over 27,000 people and identified numerous potentially life-threatening heart conditions, helping individuals access further investigation and treatment where needed.
Rhi's appointment as Vice President follows growing support for the charity's work, including the recent announcement that Penarth Town Mayor Councillor Laura Rochefort has chosen Calon Hearts as her Charity of the Year. The Mayor, who has links with Kory’s family, has committed to helping raise awareness of heart screening and sudden cardiac death among young people throughout the Vale of Glamorgan, during her term of office.
To mark Rhi Russell's appointment as Vice President, Calon Hearts is launching Screen Early. Save Lives. – a campaign inspired by the lives of Ben McDonald and Kory Russell.
The McDonald and Russell families are determined to help ensure more young people have access to free heart screening, giving others the opportunity to identify potentially life-threatening heart conditions before tragedy strikes.
How you can help
• Donate to the Screen Early. Save Lives. campaign and help fund free heart screening for young people - Donate | Calon Hearts
• Hold a heart screening event in memory of a loved one and create a lasting legacy in their name.
• Book a heart screening for yourself or a family member - Screenings | Calon Hearts
Donate now. Screen early. Save lives.
To find out more, support the campaign or discuss hosting a screening event, contact info@calonhearts.org.
