counselling

Maralyn Bowen: We lost our 19 year-old son Ian in October 1996. After playing a round of golf in the morning, Ian had gone to his part-time job in the afternoon before going to have a night out with his mates. He collapsed and died one hour after leaving home. Ian’s death was due to a condition known as Wolff Parkinson White (WPW).

Diana Bower: My son-in-law Andrew was a healthy, successful and proud father-to-be. When he died suddenly aged 30, my daughter’s dreams were shattered. Having supported her through the ups and downs, I would now like to help others. Although times can still be difficult, watching my daughter and grandson laugh together brings me a happiness I couldn’t envisage after Andrew’s death.

Irene Broughton: My world changed forever on Sunday 2nd September 2007 when we found my 17 year old daughter Steffani had died in her sleep after going to bed a fit and healthy teenager. How could this be? I had never heard of SADS. The Internet led us to CRY who were a tremendous help to me in the early days and are still there for me. I hope I can help others by sharing my experience and being there to listen to and support people who have had a similar devastating experience. 

Jennie Crean: Ben, a successful businessman who died aged 28 following a massive heart attack, touched the hearts of all who knew him.  I wanted to keep his joie de vie spirit alive by becoming a Bereavement Supporter supporting those who had suffered a similar tragedy. We are all slowly moving on with our lives but Ben will be there forever in our hearts.

Julie Donnelly: It is hard to describe the devastation of losing our son Adam. He collapsed and died aged 17 of sudden death syndrome while playing in the swimming pool when we were on holiday in 2004. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think of him and wish things were different. CRY helped us realise that we are not alone in this tragedy and that this most unimaginable loss happens to many other young people.

Linda Goodwin: Our son Ashley completed London Marathons in 2005 and 2006. He died suddenly at home in July 2007 of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) the day after his 35th birthday. Words cannot describe the feeling of utter devastation in the following hours, days and weeks. Only the support of family, friends and CRY have enabled us to slowly rebuild our lives.

Julie Hatton: I lost my son Leon when he was only four and a half years old. Unbeknown to us, Leon was born with a congenital heart defect called bicuspid aortic valve. This valve was too narrow for the blood to flow through and it eventually fused together. Leon died peacefully in his sleep.

Joan Hillier: Laura was working during her vacation in her father's GP surgery. She suddenly collapsed and died on 20 June 2003, aged 21, from undiagnosed arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). She was lively, witty, a fun person, a joy to know and is deeply missed by all who knew her.

Barbara Holland: In 1988 my brother-in-law Hugh died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. When our son Phil had palpitations we had him checked at the local hospital but were told there was nothing to worry about. We were devastated, therefore, when he suddenly collapsed and died in December 2002. He was 23. We now know that both Hugh and Phil probably had a form of cardiomyopathy.

Bruce Lord: Our daughter Rachael (24) died suddenly in March 2008 from Cardiac Arrhythmia when swimming in the hotel pool whilst on holiday abroad with her partner. Doctors were investigating her fainting episodes.  She was talented, level-headed, much loved and is sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

Ruth Lowe: I had never heard of SADS until 12 April 2004 when my only child Andrew died suddenly at 21, shortly before he was going to be married. Andrew rarely went to the doctor but had been experiencing symptoms no-one thought could be serious. We were left bewildered after his sudden death. I feel privileged to be a Bereavement Supporter and hope through my own experience I will be able to help others.

Stephanie Paterson: Investigations into my son James’ 'heart murmur', twice dismissed as irrelevant in childhood, did not prevent acceptance for the RAF. He died suddenly at 24 playing football. We yearned to understand the mystery of his death from long QT. A ray of light was CRY. Since then the world has become a different place and we are different people. I now hope to help others with the changes that such a tragedy brings.

Sian Regan: My brother Gareth died in his sleep age 21 in February 2007. He was fit, healthy, had just returned from his first skiing trip and recently graduated from university. It made no sense, was devastating and we miss him every day. I'd like to be there for others who have suffered a similar loss, just as CRY was there for us.

Anne Reynolds: Pete, an outgoing, lively young man, lived life to the full. Excelling at most sports, he never experienced sickness in his life. Dizzy spells several weeks prior to his death were dismissed. At 27, Pete was found dead in bed. We shall never get over losing him but are learning to live with it. With the help of family, friends and CRY we are rebuilding our lives. I hope to help others find a way through their tragedy too.

Carly Sykes: My husband, Paul, died aged 28 playing football in April 2005. Extremely fit and healthy, he showed no signs of any problem. His death left me and our baby son devastated. CRY's help and persistence enabled me to obtain a diagnosis other than ‘natural causes' and ensured Thomas has ongoing screening, as Paul died of the genetic condition ARVC. CRY has proved to be the support network I needed on so many levels.

Vanessa Tardif: My fit and vibrant brother Simon (35) died suddenly in July 2004 of undiagnosed ARVC, leaving a traumatised wife and four young children. We are still devastated and shocked at his sudden death and miss him every day. I have ARVC and was fitted with an ICD soon after my brother died. I trained as a Bereavement Supporter to try and help others through their grief.

Jenny Thomas: Our son Nicholas, 25, died suddenly at the wheel of his car while waiting for the traffic lights to change on the 13th January 2005, from Long QT syndrome. No words can describe our devastation. He is thought of every hour of every day.  With the support of family, friends and CRY we have been able to carry on and I hope my training as a Bereavement Supporter will enable me to help others.

Diane Tolley: My 15-year old son Robert was on a bike ride with his two best friends. During the ride, Robert got off his bike complaining of feeling dizzy. He collapsed and died, despite the best efforts of passers-by and paramedics. Robert died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There were no warnings, signs or symptoms of this condition.

Sarah Willis: Our son, Jo, collapsed and died suddenly and unexpectedly on the 26^th February 2005, after going for a Saturday morning run.  He was 19 and in his first year at university.  Jo was a good listener and always made time for people.  In becoming a CRY bereavement supporter I want to help other parents or relatives who are facing similar tragedies – and to remember Jo by listening to others.