Popular North West traditional group, CRAIC, has been backed by BBC Northern Ireland news presenter and patron of health awareness charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY, Mark Carruthers, ahead of the band's concert next month in aid of CRY. 

Speaking ahead of the concert on Friday, November 14, Mr Carruthers said: "I'm delighted that this event is happening at the Alley Theatre in Strabane.  The issue of cardiac failure in young people is something we need to start taking much more seriously, and I am convinced the work that CRY is doing across the country is beginning to make a real difference. 

"Twelve young people a week are losing their lives because we don't take sudden cardiac failure seriously enough.  It takes very little effort for parents to have their children tested - CRY clinics are held regularly in Northern Ireland and I've been along to see for myself how straightforward the whole thing is."

He added: "This event is great for two reasons.  First of all it will help to raise much needed funds for CRY, with all proceeds raised staying within Northern Ireland projects.  Secondly, it will be a great boost in getting the message across to parents and young people in the Strabane area that sudden cardiac failure is a potential killer we can try to tackle head-on through proper, co-ordinated screening." 

Welcoming the support, Alley manager, John Kerr, said: "To receive support from Mark is great for CRAIC's campaign to bring awareness to the CRY campaign and help raise as much money during their charity concert night on November 14. 

"The whole evening will start at 7pm, with a free exhibition launch by Barosz Kalota, a groundbreaking Polish artist, with samples of Polish music and food on offer at the launch, followed by the CRAIC's performance at 8pm. 

"CRAIC will be supported by various other acts on the night, including Strabane Gaelscoil, so if you have children performing on that night, we urge you book early to avoid missing the show." 

For further information about the show contact the Alley Theatre Box Office Tel: (028)71 384444 or book online at www.alley-theatre.com