An exciting new project which could save the lives of young people is scheduled to begin on the Isle of Lewis, and is anticipated happening in the Wester Ross community.

Alison Cox, Founder and Chief executive of CRY. (Cardiac Risk in the Young) met up with Ullapool residents Alex and Fraser Fotheringham, CRY‘s Divisional representatives, in October this year to visit both areas and to liaise with Western Isles Health Board, Education Committees, local GPs and District Nurses. They were able to discuss the initial plans for a pilot study, which should take place on Lewis between the end of March and June 2002.

The study will involve screening approximately 820 young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years, in order to detect any abnormalities of the heart. The screening procedure is a non-invasive test using an EGG machine the size of a briefcase, which has the latest interpretative data and is capable of giving an instant readout. it is hoped to use the Nicolson Institute as a venue for the project, depending on school timetables.

It is estimated that 3 or 4 young people per hundred might need to be referred to an Inverness or Edinburgh hospital for a further ultrasound check.

On her recent visit to Lewis and Ullapool, Alison Cox expressed her pleasure at the welcome and encouragement she received, describing them as “uplifting”. She was also delighted to accept the services of Mr George Moody, Head teacher of Bayble School, Lewis, as voluntary administrator for the pilot study. It is also proposed that two nurses from Lewis will be trained in the use of this particular screening process. “ This way, we can leave expertise in this particular field with the island community”, said Alison Cox.

Joanne Fotheringham was appointed to Bayble School as a teacher of Primaries 3 and 4 in October 1995, and was held in high esteem by colleagues, pupils and by the community in which she had made her home until her untimely death in April 1997. A commemorative garden to her memory was made at Bayble School by children staff and members of the community, with funds donated from far and wide.

Alison Cox spoke about Alex and Fraser Fotheringham’s commitment to CRY’s work and especially this new project, saying, “They have been tremendously courageous and far sighted in looking to the future and developing this project.”

The cost of the project will be in the region of £20,000. Half of the money already raised for The Joanne Fotheringham Memorial Fund for C.R. Y. will go towards the Lewis screenings; the other half is to be used for the proposed screenings in the Ullapool area. The administrative side of the Ullapool project is waiting for approval from the Ethics Committee of Highland Health Board, before it can be taken further. Alex Fotheringham said, flit is very important to me and Fraser that this project takes place on both sides of the Minch, because of the strong connections with Joanne.”