Campaign sponsor wants to raise awareness of heart problems

A businessman whose son’s best friend tragically dropped dead in a nightclub at the age of just 21 has backed a campaign to highlight heart conditions in young people. 

Norman Smith was devastated when Andrew Parr collapsed and died earlier this year.  Now the Cleveleys businessman is sponsoring a campaign launched by an organisation seeking to raise awareness of cardiac risks in the young. 

Postcards

“I’m simply doing this in memory of Andrew,” said Mr Smith, owner of Beach Display Ltd, which is based at the town’s Business Centre. 

“We had known him since he was about five years old.  He was a lovely guy.” 

Every week, eight young people die of heart problems in the UK.  Postcards of eight young North West victims have been printed by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) for sending to local MPs and others to highlight the perils and press for better screening facilities. 

Andrew, who died at Tokyo Jo’s nightclub in Preston in April, features on one of those eight postcards. 

Mr Smith, whose firm installs Christmas decorations in shopping centres all over the UK including Blackpool’s Hounds Hill complex, was approached by Andrew’s mother, Ruth, about sponsoring the new campaign. 

He added: “My son Phillip was at school in Preston with Parr, as Andrew was known.  When we moved over here, Phillip kept in touch and they used to go out in Blackpool, doing what young men do. 

“Phillip has kept in touch with Parr’s mum and has been there for tea.  He’s also very friendly with his ex-fiancée, Gemma.”

Andrew’s mother, Ruth Lowe, and stepfather David, are seeking the support of their MP Michael Jack to join an all-party Parliamentary group of 50 or so MP’s who are seeking improvements to screening procedures. 

Ruth, of Woodplumpton, near Preston, said: “Andrew’s friends have been very supportive and are all keen to distribute these postcards. 

“Young people need to know that they are not immune from cardiac problems.”