Over four years ago a Portstewart father, whose avid sportsman son died of a shock heart attack vowed he would do all he could to prevent other families going through his “unbearable pain”.

Remaining true to his word, 2004 sees Mr John Lundy, father of tragic 19-year-old Aaron, spearheading a campaign to get a Parliamentary Bill passed which could save the lives of other fit, young people at risk from premature cardiac illness.

Proposed by MP Dari Taylor, The Cardiac Risk in the Young (Screening) Bill is aimed at increasing the availability of screening to those considered at high risk.

Aaron tragically died after playing a football match.  He had been diagnosed at 16-years-old with a rare cardiac condition called Wolfe Parkinson White.  Doctors told him not to worry and to carry on as normal.  He was not advised to tell his parents of his illness.

Aaron’s devastated father is unhappy with the way doctors handled Aaron’s case: “I believe Aaron would still be here today if he had been given the proper information by doctors.  He should have been told that his Illness could kill.  I can’t believe he wasn’t advised to tell his parents.

“I still think doctors don’t realise that Wolfe Parkinson White can kill.  The fact that Aaron isn’t here today speaks for itself.  Aaron should have been advised to consult with his parents and bring us on board.”

Following their son’s death, heartbroken parents John and Ann were shocked to learn that a phenomenal four to eight apparently healthy young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions in the UK.

Determined to prevent other young people dying prematurely and other families going through unnecessary turmoil, John made it his sole foal to raise awareness in Northern Ireland of the risks of Sudden Death Syndrome among young people.  John has become Northern Ireland’s representative for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) UK and as such has raised the profile of the charity and significant funds for their crucial work.

Via the internet, word of mouth and the press, John is now answering calls from people all over Northern Ireland who have a cardiac condition or have lost someone close to them to sudden death syndrome. 

John recalls a few of these calls: “In the last three days I got calls from five different families in Northern Ireland who have lost young, fit, healthy sons and daughters to cardiac illness.  Many of these parents are trying to raise awareness in their towns and cities.  And many like me, are frustrated.”

Hoping against hope that this Parliamentary Bill will be the breakthrough he so desperately needs, John says:  “This Bill is vital for Northern Ireland and will hopefully not only save lives but will offer bereaved parents support.

“I am confident that it will go through.  It is backed by so many top sportsmen and women and CRY UK counts Ian Botham and Steve Redgrave among its patrons.  I have contacted members of Parliament throughout Northern Ireland to campaign that the Bill becomes law.  Before every season of every sport, every young person should be screened.  Screening should be law.”

“There is just not enough information in Northern Ireland for families.  Parents don’t realise that their strong healthy teenagers could drop dead.”

John continues: “Doctors are still telling young people they are suffering from growing pains when they display symptoms of cardiac illness.”

Until such times as the bill is passed John will remain active in his endeavours to raise awareness of cardiac risk in the young in whatever ways he can.

Currently John is actively involved in collating statistics which will stress the need for additional services, support and research in Northern Ireland for those at risk of or affected by this devastating illness.

Just how many young people die in Northern Ireland of cardiac arrests and just how many others go unreported is unknown.  John explains: “We are currently trying to compile statistics in Northern Ireland about premature cardiac disease and we need to hear from any one who has been affected by this terrible illness.

“I would love to see families of young people at risk and others who, like myself, have suffered the loss of a family member, come forward to share their experiences and get actively involved in helping prevent untimely deaths among future generations.”

To date John has raised a phenomenal amount of funds for CRY UK through local fundraising sporting events and is grateful to the extensive support he has received.