Andy Scott is a 32-year-old former professional footballer (Sheffield United, Brentford, Oxford and Leyton Orient) who has been forced to retire from the game after doctors warned any physical exercise could kill him. 

Andy has been diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disorder which restricts the efficient pumping of blood around the body due to a thickening of the heart muscle from inside.  This condition is also known as ‘sudden death syndrome.’

The objective of the fund, which was launched last month, are two fold:

Firstly, to raise money for Andy and his young family and also for a registered charity called CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) www.c-r-y.org.uk

The second objective is to raise awareness of the condition which can be detected with an electro cardiogram (ECG) and to work to ensure that all groups at risk are screened.  Up to 98% of HCM cases are not detected until autopsy and it is a condition which affects otherwise healthy young people. 

The fund has an informative website at www.andyscottbenefit.org.uk

As one would expect, the initial fund raising activities have a footballing theme and benefit matches have been arranged on: 16^th July (Sutton United v Brentford) and 20^th July (Brentford v Orient). 

Full details are available on the website where one can also purchase ‘non-attendance’ tickets to support the fund. 

Further fund-raising and awareness raising activities, including a gala dinner and auction of sporting memorabilia, are currently being organised. 

The fun’s website includes a guest book where anyone can leave a message of support and a donation area where offers of assistance, both practical and financial, can be made. 

Should any further information be required, or if you can offer assistance, advice and/or items for the auction, please do not hesitate to contact David Heath, the Andy Scott Benefit Fund chairman, either by e-mail or david@andyscotbenefit.org.uk or by calling 07802 478 853.  

Find out more about Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)