CRY thanks the friends and family of David Hill in the run up to the launch of annual fundraising event in Edinburgh

This Saturday (11 March 2023) sees the launch of a new, annual fundraising event in Edinburgh to commemorate and celebrate the life of former political aide, David Hill, who tragically died from a previously undiagnosed heart condition on 19 March 2022.

David collapsed whilst playing a cross-party rugby match for Holyrood against Dail and Seanad XV at the Donnybrook Stadium in Dublin as part of the Parliamentary Six Nations. He was aged just 30.

Now, almost 12 months to the day since David’s sudden death, friends, family and colleagues are launching the David Hill Memorial Fund*, ‘kicking off’ at the inaugural David Hill Memorial Quaich fixture, taking place at 2.30pm on 11 March at Peffermill in Edinburgh. The teams will feature members of Parliament from both respective nations. The winner will be presented with the David Hill Memorial Quaich, generously donated by David’s family.

Following the fixture, a prestigious charity dinner [which has now sold out] will be held at The Kimptom, Charlotte Square. CRY’s Representative, Suzanne Rowan (an active supporter and campaigner for cardiac screening, who first became involved with the charity following the death of her husband, Robert in 2018) will be attending on behalf of the charity.

Organisers have also confirmed they will be joined by The Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, as well as the Scottish Rugby Union President Colin Rigby, and several parliamentarians from both Scotland and Ireland, many of whom played with and knew David.

Originally from Dumfriesshire, David had worked for several MSPs during his time at Holyrood, at the time of his death he had been working for Jamie Greene MSP.

Michael Mawdsley captain of the Scottish Parliament Rugby Football Club, commented; “David was a fantastic individual, a true parliamentarian and loved friend, brother and son, and is dearly missed. David was a well-rounded, friendly, bubbly character, whose kindness shone through and was respected and loved by all who knew him. In the aftermath of his passing, it was clear that he was held in high regard by colleagues across all political parties, not just for his work but also the manner with which he conducted himself at Holyrood.

“This manifested itself in David being named Parliamentary Staffer of the Year in September 2022 at the Holyrood Magazine Awards.”

Every week in the UK, around 12 young people (that is aged 35 and under) die suddenly from a previously diagnosed heart condition. 80% of these deaths will occur with no prior symptoms – which is why CRY is so committed to the importance of specialist, cardiac screening.

CRY also funds pioneering research into the conditions that can cause young sudden cardiac death as well as providing a unique bereavement support network for all families who have been affected. CRY’s screening programme now tests more than 2530,000 young people (aged 14-35) every year in the UK.

Although it won’t identify all young people at risk, in Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, they have reduced the incidence of young sudden cardiac death by 89%. This is because sport – whilst it does not actually cause sudden cardiac death – can significantly increase a young person’s risk if they have an underlying condition.

Dr Steven Cox, Chief Executive of CRY adds: “It takes great courage for anyone who has been affected so recently by young sudden cardiac death to be able to see beyond their own situation and to want to raise funds for CRY and prevent other people from ever having to endure the same devastating grief as they have experienced.

“So firstly, on behalf of all of us at CRY, I would like to say a huge “thank you” to David’s family and everyone involved the organisation of the David Hill Memorial Quaich for their ongoing fundraising and support.

“As well as helping to raise vital funds, this event – and future events in coming years – will also raise significant awareness for CRY across Scotland, local communities and amongst parliamentarians, politicians and key decision makers. This could have an important impact on CRY’s wider campaign to ensure politicians understand the terrible impact these tragedies have on so many families, friends and local communities. Once politicians start to take young sudden cardiac death seriously we will start to move towards a time when every young person will have the opportunity to have their heart tested.

Dr Cox adds; “By speaking so publicly to many media outlets about this very personal and devastating experience, David’s family and friends will also help to spark conversation amongst many local teenagers and young adults who, all too often, are simply not aware of the prevalence of sudden cardiac death in young people or the steps that can be taken to help protect themselves and others.

“This might include signing up for screening, being aware of their family’s ‘heart history’ and recognising possible symptoms, however rare they might be. We would also encourage wider training in CPR and provision of defibrillators in the community. The UK needs a comprehensive approach to stop these deaths. We need a national strategy to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths.”