The photograph shows Alex Fotheringham, the north of Scotland representative of the CRY charity (Cardiac Risk in the Young), receiving a cheque from Charlie Nicolson. the New Community Schools Project Co-ordinator.

Also in the photograph is Carol Nicolson one of three Stornoway nurses involved in the screening process, and George Moody who has been dealing with the necessary paperwork.

The money will be used towards the costs of running the Lewis Heart Screening Project.

The project is in memory of Joanne Fotheringham, who was a fit, healthy 24-year-old with a full life ahead of her. One night she fell asleep and never woke up.

Since Joanne’s tragic death five years ago, her parents Alex and Fraser have been cam­paigning to introduce a pilot scheme of heart (ECG) screenings for children in the Western Isles and Wester Ross to save the lives of others, like Joanne, who could be at risk. The first of these pilot screenings of 16 to 18 year olds in Lewis began on 20 May. Despite most of this age group being involved in SQA examinations, more than 150 have now been completed.

The ECG printouts are sent to St George’s Hospital in London where they are examined by two cardiologists. The results will be posted out to the teenagers and their doctors starting at the end of June. The screening aims to identify anyone of 18 potential cardiac abnormalities and the very few people found with a problem will be offered advice/treatment locally or in Raigmore.

This is the first general screening that has been undertaken in Scotland. It is the first to tackle a whole geographical area. It is the first in the UK to be run in conjunction with a Health Authority. CRY is very grateful for the full co-operation they have received from the Western Isles NHS Board and its staff. The project comes at a time when car­diac abnormalities can now be treated more effectively through the advancement of med­ical technology. It is the hope of everyone involved that lives can be saved through this pioneering programme and that the work started by Alex and Fraser Fotheringham can be repeated in other areas of Scotland.

Any other 16,17 or 18 year old who wishes to have their heart checked, should contact George Moody