Anita Nicholson, the wife of Cannon Hall Farm owner David Nicholson, was left devastated following the sudden death of her brother. Brian Major, Anita's older brother, passed away from a heart attack in 2009, aged just 48.
Brian, who was a site manager and dad-of-two, tragically died while reading a newspaper at his dining table in his home. Brian mistakenly believed he was experiencing indigestion, but it turned out to be a fatal heart attack.
Marathon in memory of Brian
Earlier this year, Anita ran the Manchester Marathon to raise money for the British Heart Foundation to support cardiovascular disease research. Anita said: "I turned 60 this year and wanted to do something to mark that milestone and to honour Brian as I’m so very aware that he never got the chance to enjoy all the years that I have and he is very dearly missed.
"Running for the British Heart Foundation makes me feel like I’m doing something positive through helping to fund research that can help others.
"The foundation has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives."
Support from fans and presenters
She continued: "It’s only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures - £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist.
"I also have cousins, who I’m extremely close to, who have inherited heart muscle conditions. This marathon is for Brian and them."
Anita received support from Cannon Hall Farm fans, as well as On The Farm presenters Jules Hudson and Helen Skelton. Anita added: "I’ve always loved running and go out for social runs with my friends about three times a week. We don’t go particularly fast as we like to chat and set the world to rights.
"It’s all about the friendship and getting outside for me.
"Helen Skelton has done a training run with me and is very supportive. We always enjoy the filming as it adds to the sense of excitement about the farm and it’s great to have the presenters and crew showing so much interest in everything that’s going on."
Family life and TV appearances
Anita has been married to farmer David for more than 34 years, with the couple tying the knot in April 1994. Roger Nicholson and his sons Richard, Rob, and David are regulars on Springtime on the Farm and The Yorkshire Vet, and have also made appearances in Channel 5's The Great Yorkshire Show.
