|
 Prior
to his death Gareth has been fit and healthy and had just returned from his
first skiing trip.
When he was 10
years old he had complained of chest pain while running around in the sun. His
pulse seemed a little irregular and as I was working as a cardiology research
nurse at the time I decided to get this checked out.
Gareth was seen
by a paediatric cardiologist who carried out a number of tests, which were all
normal. We were told that Gareth was a fit healthy little boy and that there was
no need to mention this episode again.
A few days after
we lost Gareth, I read about CRY and the work that they do. I contacted Alison
who gave me some much-needed advice prior to our appointment with the Coroner.
Gareth’s heart
was examined by Dr Mary Sheppard who confirmed that it was entirely normal and
that the likely cause of death was an arrhythmia.
I attended a
Family Day in London a few months later just trying to find out what had
happened to Gareth. I was able to have a discussion with Dr Elijah Behr
regarding family screening which was extremely helpful. I talked one of the CRY
counsellors who had lost her adult son a few years before. It helped a lot to
speak to someone who really understood how we all felt.
Since then,
family and friends have raised money for CRY by taking part in CRY 'Bridges
walks' and other charity events. Gareth’s friends have also run half-marathons
and donated money to CRY. A large amount of money has been raised by Gareth’s
nan and her card group who have donated all the money made by selling handmade
Christmas and greetings cards.
I am pleased to
be asked to take on the role of Divisional Representative for Wales and
will do my best to promote the work of CRY.
If you would like to contact one of our
Representatives or a Bereavement Supporter please call the CRY office at 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.
|
