Irish Football Association in conjunction with CRY

Two relay teams from the Irish Football Association ran in the Belfast City Marathon on Monday, 7th May 2007. The two teams were:

Glenda Dines                                                        Darren Veighey
Angela McKibbin                                                   Lerina Bright
Paul McMeekin                                                     Jonathan McMeekin
Colleen Macauley                                                 Paul McCrink
Valerie Hamilton                                                   Janet Elliott

The reason for nominating this charity was that CRY raised awareness of Cardiac Risk in the Young and Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and provided medical information on the most common causes of unexplained cardiac deaths in the young (under 35).

Youngsters who play sport can place their hearts under stress and if they have an underlying cardiac abnormality, are more likely to be at risk. CRY also offers support to those who have suffered the loss of a young person from sudden cardiac death, through a network of affected families and counselling.

We agreed, therefore, that this was a cause most worthy of our support as it had highlighted the sudden and unexplained deaths which sometimes occurred in elite athletes. Also, those involved with this charity undertake their work purely on a voluntary basis.

CRY operates mobile cardiac screening and ECG Testing Programmes within local communities, is working with several local authorities with the aim of running ECG Testing pilot studies in schools and contributes to Medical Research.

CRY will screen any young, physically active individual aged between 14 and 35 and it is comforting to learn that our contribution will go towards supplying the much needed equipment to deal with these tests, thereby saving many lives.

As a sporting governing body, we were delighted to be in a position to support such a noble and worthy cause and those who took part extend sincerest gratitude to their sponsors for their much-valued contributions.

On behalf of the IFA, the International Team Manager, Nigel Worthington, was delighted to hand over the money raised, in the sum of £2,100 and to wish CRY continued success in their research, screening and purchasing of the equipment necessary in meeting their requirements.