The family of a 25-year-old man who died six months ago have raised £1,500 for an organisation that deals with Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
Keen sportsman Chris Haw from Lansdowne Road collapsed on June 3, 2006, while working at Man to Man menswear store on Lord Street. More than 700 people paid their respects to the popular student at his funeral at Holy Trinity Church.
This week, his dad Steve, told the Southport Visitor how both Chris’ family and friends have helped to fundraise for registered charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).
Steve said: “CRY tries to raise awareness about SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome) in local communities and provide support and exploratory assistance to families.
“they have supported and medically tested our family, with the help of renowned consultant cardiologist, and trustee of the charity, Dr Sanjay Sharma and his excellent staff at The Lewisham Hospital in London.”
Since Chris’ death, fundraising events have been taking place around the town including “The Jedi Festival”, a musical tribute organised by Ross Perkins and Ritchie Hardie from the Underground bar, which featured bands such as Keith, Cardello, Dave Crompton, the Vandahls, Suitcase and Exile Parade. The night successfully raised £1,000.
Steve added: “It is hoped that the Jedi Festival will be an annual event spread over tw3o days and the CRY charity, which has patrons such as Ian Botham, OBE, Sir Steve Redgrave, CBE and David Walliams, will benefit from this.”
Another fundraiser in the 25-year-old’s memory was the epic Liverpool-Leeds canal bike ride by his friends Tom Fletcher, Nicky Wilde, Steve Aspin, George Cutts and also Chris’ dad, Steve.
The money raised from this event is helping to set up The Chris Haw memorial website, which his family hope will be accessible soon.
Helping their total was a £500 donation from Brown Turner Solicitors (trustees of Sydney Littler Charitable Trust), who Chris’ mum Lesley works for.
Steve said: “Our Chris will never be forgotten.”
