Brother speaks about 'immeasurable' loss after Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome claims young life

Launched recently in Belfast, CRY is the thought-provoking new postcard featuring the photographs of eight young people, including Richard Martin from Enniskillen and Cormac McAnallen from Tyrone, who lost their lives suddenly. 

Speaking after the launch, Raymond Martin told the Fermanagh Herald about his brother, Richard.  “He was a very smart and talented boy, with a great personality.  He received four As in his lower sixth A/s levels, and had applied to do medicine at Newcastle University. 

“He was a gifted rugby player, having represented Potora 1^st XV on many occasions.  In football, he had played for both Kesh and Ballinmallard youth teams.  He had received a Queen’s badge with the local Boys Brigade, and was also doing the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. 

“Finally,” Raymond continued, "my brother loved Art, and especially digital photography.  In this regard he was forever on the lookout for a stunning sky or beautiful waterfall that he might capture.” 

He went on to say, “Richard is being missed immeasurably by so many people.  His friends miss his cheeky sense of humour, which he managed to reconcile with moral views and opinions. 

“His girlfriend Connie misses the intimate relationship they shared together. 

"My parents have lost their youngest son, whom they raised for nearly 18 years.  In this regard my mother feels a constant pain in her stomach, longing for the simple things, like the way he would come in from school and say “Well mother,” and perhaps pick her up in the kitchen.  I miss the smart conversations we used to have. 

“We knew that Richard had Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, having been diagnosed the previous June.  What we did not know was of the seriousness of this condition, with its potentially life threatening consequences.  It is our wish that other families can avoid the suffering we now endure.  Therefore we encourage everyone to be aware of Sudden Death Syndrome, and the heart conditions which cause it. 

“If you think you might have a heart problem, perhaps because of palpitations or dizziness, get yourself checked out and have an electrocardiogram (ECG) performed.  If any heart condition presents itself, we would advise that you find our everything you can on the subject, by reading and talking to people.  Importantly, don’t hesitate to contact CRY, as they can put you in touch with specialist advice and opportunities.  It is vital to know the risks involved, and not to take them.” 

Find out more about Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome