|
 A campaign to bring a lifesaving heart unit to North Wales is
being backed by the Chronicle.
Connahs Quay grandmother Doreen Harley is spearheading a
fundraising drive on behalf of Cardiac Risk in the Young - CRY, to raise £6,666
which will screen as many youngsters as possible on a first come first served
basis over one weekend.
The Chronicle wants to hear from individuals or businesses
willing to run a fundraising event or make a donation to enable professionals
to detect hidden conditions which can lead to Sudden Death Syndrome.
The screening team would consist of a cardiologist, an echo
technician, an ECG technician and a screening manager who would be able to set
up the equipment on site.
Doreen lost her daughter Lisa, who was suffering from Long QT
Syndrome, one of the causes of’ sudden cardiac death in the young. at the
age of 27.
‘Early detection really is the key’ she said. ‘We’re
not here to alarm but to alert youngsters between the ages of 14 - 35 that
they may have a condition they do not know about which is treatable and
manageable.’
‘It’s extremely important that youngsters with symptoms
such as exercise related chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations. dizziness
or fainting get checked out.
‘There are a lot of teenagers involved in competitive
sports and it’s even more important they are screened.’
Launching the appeal, Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami stressed
the importance of bringing the facility to the area.
‘Sudden Death Syndrome causes overwhelming suffering to the
families
of victims and any form of prevention possible should be
supported he said. ‘It’s vitally important that we begin screening our
youngsters in North Wales, especially those involved in athletics and other
her sports.
‘I would encourage any companies or generous individuals
able to support this campaign to do so.’
Doreen urged fundraisers looking for a particular cause to
support to consider the worthwhile appeal.
‘If we can save just one life by getting the
screening facility here then we’ve done our job,’ she said. We’ll have
prevented another family from having to go through the devastation we’ve
been through.’ |
