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 Zoe
spent the day before her death with her sister, and the evening laughing and
joking around with her family and best friend Ben. We were all unaware of
the devastation that was to come; she didn’t have any signs or symptoms of
any illness.
Zoe died suddenly in her sleep that evening.
Our
youngest daughter Meghan (22yrs) found her sister dead in bed.
The
family were only made aware of “SADS” - sudden adult death syndrome - after
Zoe’s death. We also learnt that tragically 12 young lives are lost each week as
a result of this.
It
was more distressing to learn that lives could be saved if children were
screened with a simple ECG scan, this would detect conditions and allow them to
be treated.
With
SADS you don’t have the opportunity to pray for a child's survival, have the
chance to say goodbye or even be there with them to hold their hand as they pass
away.
They
are taken away from you suddenly with no prior warning; the whole family have
been left in extreme shock as well as total disbelief and devastation.
In
Zoe’s memory we are raising money for CRY to fund the cost of ECG screening
sessions for young adults throughout the west midlands. This will help
save lives and prevent other families going through this tragedy.
Zoe's heart was sent to Dr Mary Sheppard In London for examination and the
family have all had to be tested as it was thought that Zoe died of an inherited
heart condition. My other daughter Meghan and myself were found to be
clear but my wife was diagnosed as being a carrier of the Brugada syndrome, and
this is what they believe Zoe died of.
It
wasn't until after Zoe's death that we heard about SADS or CRY. We have
been so glad that we researched the internet and found CRY's details. There have
been many times during the past months when we have wondered how people coped or
managed in the past, not knowing or understating why their children have died.
CRY have helped provide this information along with support which has helped all
of my family cope through a very difficult time.
I
have been asked to be a representative for CRY, I am more than willing to do
this is it helps someone else and look forward to supporting CRY in the great
work that they do, helping to save lives.
If you would like to contact
one of our Representatives or a Bereavement Supporter please call CRY on 01737 363222 or e-mail cry@c-r-y.org.uk
and we will put you in touch with someone who may be able to help
you.
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