Heart-testing goes ahead thanks to Thwaites cash

A heart-screening session which could save the lives of young people can go ahead later this year after Thwaites Brewery came to a charity’s aid. 

The Darwen branch of the CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) has tested around 200 people for heart defects during the last five years. 

But a session had not been planned for 2005 because the charity had insufficient funds. 

Now, in a generous last-minute offer, Blackburn-based Thwaites has donated a lump sum to pay for a screening session in June. 

The local branch of CRY was set up by two couples whose sons died young of undiagnosed heart defects. 

Irene and Bill Wickers, of Darwen, and Granville and Susan Staff, of Hoddlesden, lost their sons Neil and David, 17, within a few years of each other. 

Their fundraising efforts since have enabled them to buy two electro-cardiogram machines and hold a number of screening sessions locally to prevent other families going through the same heartache. 

Heart-screening will now take place on Saturday, June 25, at Darwen Access Point and anyone aged between 13 and 35 wishing to attend should ring 01254 707895 or 701807 for an appointment. 

Granville Staff lost his son David, after he collapsed and died of a heart attack while out running. 

Mr Staff said: “Thwaites’ support is so valuable as this is such a serious situation.  

“We cannot stress how important it is for young people to be checked for heart defects.  If my son had been able to be screened he would still be alive today.” 

Mrs Wickers said: “Each screening session costs between £3,000 and £5,000 because we have to pay for extra equipment to be brought up from London, two technicians from Leeds, a cardiologist from London and any other associated expense.  So without this donation, we would not have been able to pay for it.” 

Mr and Mrs Staff and Mr and Mrs Wickers visited the brewery this week to accept the cheque from Paul Baker, chairman of the Thwaites’ Trust. 

Mr Baker said: “We have supported hundreds of worthy causes down the years but this is a very special situation where the lives of young people in our region are at risk.  We are obviously delighted to be able to support CRY in the excellent work they do.”