It is hard to believe that someone young and active may be at risk from heart problems.  Each week in the UK at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die from undiagnosed heart conditions.  Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) is a charity that works to protect the cardiac health of young people.  2010 marked the 15th anniversary year of CRY...the perfect time to take a look back at what has been achieved so far. 

Since 1995, CRY has worked to support families affected by the sudden cardiac death of a young person, to help young people who have been diagnosed with life threatening heart conditions and to reduce the number of tragedies that occur. 

CRY helps families after the death of a young person through a fast track cardiac pathology service, bereavement counselling and support. 

The charity strives to support young people who have been diagnosed with cardiac conditions through the Surgery Supporters Network. 

CRY also works to prevent tragedies from occurring in the future.  Most young sudden cardiac deaths are preventable.  A national cardiac screening programme provides screening for young people and when conditions are detected, they can be treated.  CRY also carries out research into young sudden cardiac death.

During its 15th Anniversary, CRY, in association with ICAP, offered free screening to every child in South East England born in 1995, CRY's foundation year.  2010 also saw the second year of the CRY/Philips nationwide Test My Heart Tour.  In April, St George's Hospital became home to the CRY Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Conditions and Sports Cardiology and over 6,500 young hearts were screened by CRY. 

Bereavement support days continued to take place across the country.  Calor Gas chose CRY as its Charity of the Year and the fourth CRY Heart of London Bridges Walk took place in July.  Hundreds of people walked across bridges in London to remember the young people who are affected by sudden cardiac death. 

CRY Awareness Week took place in October.  It included the first Durham Riverside Walk and the fifth CRY International Medical Conference.  Throughout the week, events were organised by supporters across the country.  The week culminated with the CRY Parliamentary Reception which was attended by supporters, special guests, MPs and new CRY Patron Pixie Lott. 

In 2011, CRY will continue to develop its services to help more families affected by young sudden cardiac death and more young people with cardiac conditions.  Founder of CRY, Chief Executive Alison Cox, MBE, said:  "We are incredibly proud of all that we have achieved over the lat 15 years.  Our aim is to continue to support those who are adversely affected by young sudden cardiac death, as well as campaigning for wider screening to help save the lives of young people in the future." 

Kathryn Harries, CRY Supporter

"This fantastically energetic charity aims to make screening for heart conditions part of every young person's life.  Our children are our future.  How can we let twelve youngsters die every week of every month of every year and do nothing?"

Mary Sheppard, CRY's Expert Cardiac Pathologist

"There's nothing more devastating than waking up one morning to find your child dead in bed.  It's appalling for families." 

Pixie Lott

"It's crazy that a seemingly fit young person can just drop down dead.  I feel it's important to raise awareness and will be using my new role to spread the word." 

Dr Sharma, Professor of Cardiology at St George's University

"ONS stats indicate that 600 young people die suddenly every year in the UK from sudden cardiac death - and that figure could be a conservative estimate.  These young people are in the prime of their lives - and no family should have to go through the terrible heartbreak of losing a son, daughter, partner or sibling without warning and without explanation." 

Sir Ian Botham

"We must stop these terrible tragedies.  Youngsters are dying needlessly - we can and must change things."