A mum whose son died suddenly is hoping other parents will not have to go through the same ordeal after raising money for a heart monitor.
DianeMcDonald’s on Gareth, an AA insurance worker, died in his sleep, aged just 27, on February 20, 2000.
His shattered family found he had died of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), after suffering a heart condition they did not know about.
With a void in her life, Diane became determined to raise money to help other families. And after organising dozens of fundraising cake sales, jumble sales and events, she has raised £7,000 to buy a heart monitor for Llanrumney Health Centre to help detect heart conditions and save lives.
I think Gareth would be proud of the monitor, knowing it’s going to help other people,” said Diane, 55, a Jobcentre Plus clerical worker who lives in Taunton Crescent, Llanrumney, Cardiff, with husband Kevin.
“the doctors said his death was sudden, like a light bulb that just goes out – there was nothing we could have done even if we’d been next to him. It devastated the whole family.
“I still think about him, especially when the rugby is on. He loved rugby.
“My dad, Tommy’s granddad, died in September, aged 82. He was always right behind my fundraising and he would be so pleased we’ve got this machine.
“I just hope this monitor can detect conditions early and help save other people.”
Diane has raised a massive £10,248 for Cardiac Risk n the Young (CRY) which supports families who have lost people to SDS.
The remaining £3,000 left after the monitor was bought will be helping the charity pay for other support such as counselling for bereaved parents.
Diane said:” I’ve had help from so many people. The fundraising has helped me cope.”
