On Wednesday June 15th, CRY hosted a Parliamentary Reception at Westminster as part of its Raising Awareness Week, and to help mark its 10th Anniversary.

The event was attended by more than 70 MPs who came to show their support for CRY’s campaigning.

Other guests at the event were CRY supporters / families; CRY President Ian Botham; CRY Patron Mark Cox; former sports stars Roger Taylor (Tennis) and Simon Halliday (Rugby); sponsors (representatives from Guidant and Siemens); medical professionals; representatives of sporting organisations; CRY office staff – and many others.

The reception was an opportunity to look back over CRY’s achievements of the last 10 years, and to focus particularly on CRY’s successful parliamentary lobbying over the previous 12 months.
Rosie Winterton MP, Dari Taylor MP and Tim Loughton MP all praised CRY in short speeches delivered at the event.

In particular, CRY’s key role in bringing about the new NSF chapter on Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death was commended.

There was also praise for the effectiveness of CRY’s postcard campaign, and congratulations for the rapid growth of CRY’s All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) since the reading of Dari Taylor MP’s Cardiac Risk in the Young (Screening) Bill in March 2004.

Also speaking at the event were CRY Chairman, Professor Greg Whyte; CRY President, Ian Botham OBE; and CRY Chief Executive Alison Cox.

Greg Whyte and Alison Cox gave thanks to all the MPs for their continued support of CRY, and also thanked the CRY Patrons for all their hard work in helping to raise awareness of young sudden cardiac deaths – particularly their willingness to talk to the media.

Ian Botham proposed more screening in schools of 10 – 15 year olds, and urged all those present at the reception to stay positive and work together to continue to address the issue.

The speakers also commended CRY families for their bravery in dealing with their tragedies.

Following the speeches, food and drink was provided, and guests socialised for the rest of the evening.

The Parliamentary Reception was very successful, and as they left, many guests took CRY literature and wristbands, and thanked CRY for hosting the event.

	“Alison’s tenacity over the past 10 years has been unparalleled…” Professor Greg Whyte CRY Chairman [Download Greg Whyte’s speech – audio file]
	“…congratulations on the first 10 years, it really has made a difference in terms of saving lives…” Rosie Winterton MP [Download Rosie Winterton’s speech – audio file]
	“…we wouldn’t have delivered without CRY members… …the ‘stars’ are in this room tonight…” Dari Taylor MP [Download Dari Taylor’s speech – audio file]
	“…this is one of the most effective campaigns – and campaign pieces of literature – that I have ever seen.” Tim Loughton MP [Download Tim Loughton’s speech – audio file]
	“…400 kids a year, 8 a week – its ridiculous in this day and age…” Ian Botham OBE CRY Patron [Download Ian Botham’s speech – audio file]
	“…already our job at CRY has been made significantly easier by the new chapter…” Alison Cox CRY Chief Executive [Download Alison Cox’s speech – audio file]