Alyn and Deeside’s MP Mark Tami and AM Carl Sargeant are backing a campaign to raise awareness about sudden cardiac death in the young. 

They joined Doreen Harley, the regional representative for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), to launch a postcard campaign depicting victims of sudden cardiac death. 

For each month of the campaign, the faces on the postcards will change. 

The CRY postcards will be sent to MPs to lobby for their support in getting screening for high-risk families. 

One of those featured on the launch postcard is Doreen’s eldest daughter, Lisa Jane Browne, who died in January 1998, aged 27. 

Cardiologists believe Lisa died from Long QT Syndrome, an electrical abnormality of the heart which cannot be detected after death.  It appears Lisa died when startled by the sudden noise of her alarm clock. 

Since Lisa’s death, her family have all been screened.  Dad Terry, sister Rachel and nephew Jack have all been diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, nephew Adam is still awaiting DNA test results to see if he too has the condition. 

Doreen said: “If Lisa had been offered an ECG test, it is more than likely that she would be here today.  CRY’s ultimate aim is to get an ECG offered to all teenagers around the age of 14.

“We get an MOT done on our cards – why should we not be able to have our children tested?” 

Mr Tami said: “CRY hopes the impact of the cards will maintain the momentum set last year when the Department of Health agreed to add a chapter to the National Service Framework on Coronary Heart Disease, dedicated to deaths among young people.  I am determined to ensure as many MPs as possible back the CRY campaign.” 

Mr Sargeant added: “It’s acknowledged that many of the hundreds of sudden deaths which occur every year in the UK could be prevented if simple cardiac screening was made more accessible.” 

If anyone can help with the distribution of the postcards, call Doreen on 01244 821215.