Family that still needs answers

The painful first anniversary since their 11-year-old son died so suddenly and unexpectedly, has just passed for Wendy and Robert Hayes.

They still do not have a definite answer why Sam died in May last year, but the courageous couple have left no stone unturned in their support for campaigning for screening for families.

The couple from Locko Lane Farm, Pilsley, near Clay Cross, has helped CRY (The Cardiac Risk in the Young) charity and Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, get Government approval to set up an advisory group which will look into the condition.

Possible measures are expected to include screening for a fit young person displaying symptoms like frequent giddiness, feeling faint or breathlessness disproportionate to activity.

And when a young person has died inexplicably, or from a cardiac disease that has a genetic cause, parents and siblings should be offered screening.

Helen (40) and Robert (44), wrote to several MPs in support of CRY campaigning, and also wrote to the Prime Minister, who passed on the couple’s comments to Health Minister Melanie Johnson.

Helen said: “If we don’t push, Sam’s death would be in vain.”

CRY already offers some screening, and it is the charity’s ultimate dream that all school leavers should be checked with heart-monitoring equipment.

Helen, however, does not think even that goal goes far enough, for Sam was only 11 when he was taken ill so suddenly at home, she could not save him.

“My theory is that all youngsters should be screened,” Helen added.

“I want to make people aware that sudden death can happen in any family.  I wouldn’t want what happened to us to happen to any family at all.”