In October 1995, Jeremy Cole, a local Eastbourne and very active youngster, died suddenly from Sudden Death Syndrome at the age of 14. 

His parents, Jenny and Nigel (left with Mayor Graham Marsden), set up the Jeremy Cole Memorial Fund in conjunction with a national charity called CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) so that ECG (electro-cardiogram) machines could be purchased for use in the Eastbourne area to assist in detecting underlying cardiac abnormalities in a practical and highly effective way. 

Mayor Graham Marsden is supporting CRY as his chosen charity during his term of office, not only because of its importance, but because he knew Jeremy personally as one of his students. 

Sudden Death Syndrome is an umbrella term used for the many different causes of heart attacks in young people that can sometimes present as sudden death.  Experts believe that between four and eight young people die each week from Sudden Death Syndrome. 

Money is now being raised to purchase additional equipment to further assist in the diagnosis of heart conditions that would be placed in the Eastbourne area.  An ECG test that records the electrical signals from the heart only takes a few minutes and does not hurt. 

It is difficult to believe that someone who is apparently young and fit may be at risk.  However, there have been a number of reported incidents of misdiagnosis culminating in tragedy that could have been avoided. 

Events to raise funds for the Mayor’s chosen charity include the Mayor’s Christmas bazaar, which will be held on Saturday December 3 at the Old Parsonage, behind St Mary’s Church from 10am – 1pm, Fun for Youth on Saturday February 4 in the main square of the Arndale Centre and the Mayor’s Ball which will take place on Friday March 17 at the Winter Garden. 

For more information on the above events please call Bobbie Chwatow on 415020 or e-mail mayorsoffice@eastbourne.gov.uk

To make a donation to the Mayor’s chosen charity, please make cheques payable to the Mayor of Eastbourne’s Charity and send to the Mayor’s Office, Town Hall, Eastbourne.  Your donation will be most gratefully appreciated.