Friends and supporters of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), along with numerous Members of Parliament, gathered at the House of Commons in the Terrace Marquee on 11th July for a reception hosted by Kevan Jones, MP, Tim Loughton MP and Dr Vincent Cable MP.  The purpose of the early evening event was to mark the charity's annual Awareness Week and to highlight the tragic condition of sudden cardiac death - in those 35 and under - and the vital importance of screening.

The weather had suddenly turned for the better and as guests enjoyed wine and an extremely plentiful offering of canapés, several made their way outside to take advantage of the very balmy evening - the exception not the rule this past Summer.  The views along the Thames were exceptionally lovely and it was hard for guests to tear themselves away from the beautiful evening to move inside for the programme. 

Guests were welcomed by the charity's Founder and Chief Executive, Alison Cox MBE, and the speakers included, among others, Ann Keen MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health; Rt. Hon Andy Burnham MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury; Professor Roger Boyle, National Director for Heart Disease; and Dr Sanjay Sharma, Consultant Cardiologist Director of Heart Muscle Disease - Kings College Hospital, London, who spoke about the importance of CRY's screening programme.  This was a most ambitious and extremely informative programme. 

A final highlight of the reception was opera singer and CRY Patron Kathryn Harries who charmed guests by singing a Welsh folk song.  A perfect way to end the evening. 

CRY was founded in May 1995 to raise awareness of Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS).  As well as campaigning and lobbying, CRY also provide a subsidised cardiac screening programme for young people (35 and under|) and counselling support to bereaved families and individuals who may be diagnosed.