CRAIC, the North West's premier traditional music group will be hosting a charity musical concert in aid of CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) on November 14, which organisers say will not only raise much needed funds for the group but also help raise awareness of this life threatening condition which could affect hundreds across the North West, and claims the lives of at least eight undiagnosed healthy young people in the UK each week. 

CRY representative in Northern Ireland, John Lundy, whose son, Aaron, died suddenly from a heart condition in 1999, said: "We are delighted that CRAIC, supported by Strabane Weekly News and Supervalu of Strabane, is hosting this event to raise awareness of the importance of Cardiac Screening and to raise valuable funds which will go towards the Northern Ireland CRY screening programme.  The response of people locally has been very humbling. 

"Our goal is to make everyone aware of the importance of cardiac screening and the opportunity that exists at the clinic at Jordanstown to have young people screened.  We also hope to announce soon the first screening clinic in Derry which will serve the North West region of Northern Ireland." 

John urges young people between the age of 14 and 35 years of age to get screened.  Particularly he says, if they are engaging in sport.  CRY conducts regular screenings at its clinic located at the University of Ulster's Jordanstown campus - the next screenings are on November 21 and 22.  Discussions are underway to hold a clinic in Londonderry in February 2009. 

John added: "The death of a young person is heartbreaking and devastating for any family.  At CRY, we would encourage all families to have their children screened for any underlying heart conditions.  Eight young people die every week in the UK and one in every three hundred apparently fit and healthy young people have an underlying condition. 

"This really is a silent killer in our midst.  We would encourage people to get in touch with the CRY clinic and arrange to be screened." John said.  "It is essential that anyone with a condition knows about it.  If they continue to participate in sport or take particular medication, for example they could be putting their lives at risk.  They may not show any symptoms or warning signs."

Dr Steve Cox, deputy chief executive of CRY explained: "There is a simple way to diagnose most of these abnormalities - this is by having an ECG (electrocardiogram) test.  The test is quick and painless.  If necessary a further echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) can be taken to provide further clarity. 

"Screening needs to be extended to all young people.  Everyone is potentially at risk from the condition and the only accurate means of diagnosis is through an electrocardiogram (ECG).  Our screening clinics are a step in the right direction and will help raise the profile of these conditions."

CRY's screening programme is overseen by Dr Sanjay Sharma, Director of Heart Muscle Disease at Kings College Hospital and the London Marathon Doctor.  Dr Sharma is a leading expert in cardiac conditions in young people and a heart rhythm specialist.  The cost of the testing is £35.  Other screening options are available through CRY's mobile screening programme and other supporting clinics. 

Alison Cox, chief executive at CRY, said: "Although it is essential to look out for the warning signs, our experience is that so often there are no symptoms prior to death and the only way the condition could have been detected would have been if cardiac tests were conducted."

Nathan Flatman from the Alley Theatre, Strabane, said: "This will be an amazing show, all in the name of a very worthwhile cause which will be helping families directly in Northern Ireland.  The show will not only be featuring CRAIC, but performances from local Irish dancers and Strabane Gaelscoil.  Tickets for CRAIC's fundraising show are now on sale at only £5 and are available by calling the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 7138 4444 or book online at www.alley-theatre.com"