Screening drive in son Leon's memory

A mum’s tragic loss has inspired her to try and spare other families the anguish of losing a child.

A heart defect caused the sudden death of Julie Hatton’s four-year old son Leon Manners just over four years ago.

Julie of Grangetown was unaware of her son’s problem which could possibly have been detected through heart screening.

For the past three years she has been involved in fundraising with CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) which is campaigning for more screening of young people.

Fundraisers organised Boxing Day dips two years running in addition to a variety of other ventures to help Julie raise £11,500 to pay for a screening session.  Each one costs £5,000.

The rest of the funds raised will go back to CRY to fund future screening sessions elsewhere.

The session, which is being held at Eston, is aimed at anyone suffering palpitations, dizzy spells, or with a family history of heart problems.

“These things can be signs that there is a problem.  It’s to help put people’s minds at rest,” said Julie.

“If the screening does show someone has a heart condition it will allow them to seek treatment or medication,” she added.

If screening does reveal a problem the person would be immediately referred to the CRY specialists who can provide help and information.

“Just being aware they have a heart condition could help to save someone’s lift” said Julie.