Over 10 years ago, a father, his two sons and one daughter (Mike, Ollie, Josh and Hebe) were all diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

We discovered this when Mike had a cardiac arrest whilst playing football, luckily due to a team mate knowing CPR, he survived. Following Mike’s episode, St George’s Hospital cleverly thought to check the children too, with the hereditary disease being found. This is where CRY came in, providing support and advice, as well as being instrumental in the process of them all being fitted with internal defibrillators.

As challenging as this journey has been, each has adapted in their own way: Mike with e-cycling and walking football; the Young with golf, padel, yoga, surfing and long walks in wild and wonderful settings.

To commemorate their 10 years, the family hosted a Walking Football Festival for friends and family (12 years old to 80) in November 2024 to raise money for CRY.

This included a demonstration of how to react to finding a person having a cardiac arrest, how to deliver CPR and use a (external) defibrillator, and was assisted by a CRY representative.

The day itself was a huge celebration, with all funds raised being donated to CRY.