Cardiac Risk in the Young to Embark on 12 Month Partnership with Sunrise Radio
This news comes alongside the announcement that MD of Sunrise Radio, Tony Lit MBE, has been made a new Ambassador for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). Tony first approached CRY following the death due to an undiagnosed heart condition of the 17 year old son of a family friend. As a father of three himself, Tony made the pledge, "whatever support Sunrise Radio and I can give personally, over and above, I shall do so."
Initially, the partnership between CRY and Sunrise Radio will run for 12 months and will entail advertising, community messaging, interviews and testimonials with CRY’s medical experts and families who have been affected by young sudden cardiac death, as well as social media posts and video content on the Sunrise Radio YouTube Channel. Already, on-air promotions are planned to support and advertise major CRY events such as the annual “Heart of London Bridges Walk” as well as a concert soon to be held at the Hammersmith Apollo on 16th February. This event is organised by singer-song writer Arjun [Coomaraswamy], in memory of his wife, Natasha, who tragically passed away of sudden cardiac arrest in September 2018 at just 30 years old.
Tony stated: "The responsibility of running an iconic radio service like Sunrise Radio goes far beyond selling commercials and programming airtime for me and my team. Sunrise is now in its 31st year of broadcasting to the South Asian community and over the years it has become much more than a source for entertainment but is also relied upon for important community messages, news and information. It’s absolutely vital that we do our bit in society and support charitable organisations like CRY. There can be nothing worse than losing a young life needlessly in our country in this day and age. That’s why awareness campaigns like this are so important as we work together with CRY to save young lives and invoke real change in communities across the United Kingdom."
The Deepings School screening in memory of Lucy Jessop
Rutland & Stamford Mercury, 15th January 2020
Over 200 pupils, parents, and teachers attended a heart screening run by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) in memory of Lucy Jessop (a former student) over the weekend.
Lucy died in 2015 from an undiagnosed heart condition but was a well-respected student at The Deepings School.
The Headteacher, Richard Lord, said “We were honoured to respect Lucy’s memory by holding a second screening event and will continue to assist her family and friends with fundraising activities and practical support that benefits cardiac screening for young people.”
Waitrose Community Matters Scheme Helps Fund CRY Screening in Memory of Jon Hayman
Sidmouth Herald, 11th January 2020
After Marion and Robert Hayman lost their 27 year old son Jon to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) in 2013, they set up the Jon Hayman Memorial Fund. The trust raises money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to provide heart screenings for young people between the ages of 14 and 35. Their cause was chosen to benefit from the Waitrose Community Matters Scheme and garnered enough customer support to receive a donation of £326.
Mrs Hayman has previously organised two Sidmouth screenings in collaboration with CRY and a third is planned for the 22nd of January at Sidmouth College.
"Although this in a national charity, the screening is very much a local event," she said. "Every penny raised goes towards providing screening for our youngsters between the ages of 14 and 35. I have, and am continuing to raise awareness of CRY and the importance of screening, within the local community."
Fourth Defibrillator Installed in Hednesford in Memory of Neil Bradbury
Express and Star, 9th January 2020
Thirty five year old Neil Bradbury passed away in his sleep in November of 2015 of an undiagnosed heart condition. Since then, his family and loved ones have raised more than £13,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). They have also raised £8000 for four defibrillators to be installed in Hednesford and are currently raising funds for a fifth.
Amy Windle, who was Neil's girlfriend, said: "Neil was fit and healthy, there were no underlying health conditions that we were aware of. He had two autopsies and neither found anything, it was put down to natural causes. I found the charity CRY, who said there is a minimum of 12 people a week who die aged 14 to 35 of similar causes, and they support families. I was supported by them and so we started off raising money for them. We held a screening session in 2018 and have raised £13,000 for CRY. I have now completed a course to be a bereavement supporter, and we now raise money for AED Donate, a charity which installs defibrillators. This one is our fourth and is in Hednesford Park..."
RideLondon Cycle Event’s Future in Question
Surrey Live, 5th January 2020
The route of the annual, 2 day event could change following the launch of a consultation by the Surrey County Counsel. The event has often be a source of division between those who welcome the benefits of a major sporting event in the area and those who believe those benefits are not worth the upheaval for residents. A poll created by SurreyLive in August of 2019 revealed that 45% (1,300) of respondents believed it worth the inconvenience while 55% (1,600) felt the opposite.
Event Director Hugh Brasher hopes that residents will look at the value and benefits of the event to the region, stating: "We are incredibly proud of the partnership we have with Surrey County Council and the millions of pounds that have been spent with Surrey businesses and raised for causes that are in Surrey. We would love the event to continue in Surrey, but it is appropriate for Surrey County Council to have the consultation with the way the county is run - it is important. We hope that Surrey residents look at the benefits that the event brings."
Stafford and Stone Canoe Club Take On ‘Paddle to Tokyo’ Challenge
A Little Bit of Stone, 30th December 2019
To celebrate and support the achievements of Adam Burgess, a Stafford and Stone Canoe Club member who is to compete in the 2020 Olympics, the club has taken on the ambitious challenge of paddling to Tokyo. On the 1st of January, the team began the epic journey of 9506km from Stone to Tokyo, aiming to reach their target in 208 days. This means that they will need to paddle 45.7km a day in order to reach Tokyo in time for Canoe Slalom Course on the 26th of July.
Along the way, the club will be raising funds to buy new equipment and will also be donating 25% of all money raised to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), which Adam has supported for some time.
Adam voiced his support of the challenge, stating: "Love this idea so much! I’m so grateful to have the club’s support on this journey to Tokyo and this is a great way for everyone to get involved and feel a part of it. I’ll look to lead the way and I hope that inspires everyone to get out and clock up those KMs!"
‘Soup Sweet & Songs’ Tribute to Hamish Ross a Great Success
The Northern Times, 18th December 2019
The 'Soup Sweet & Songs' event was organised by Golspie High School's Interact Club. The festive event brought the Golspie community together to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) in memory of Hamish Ross. Hamish, a former student at Golspie High School, passed away suddenly in July and his parents, Donald and June, have since set up a fund for young people in East Sutherland to be screened for hidden cardiac conditions. The event was a great success, raising £1,186 for CRY.
Pub’s Cheeky Calendar for CRY is a Huge Success
Harborough Mail, 16th December 2019
The calendar was inspired by The Nag's Head pub's bar maid Amy Lockwood and her daughter Freyja. Three year old Freyja has a rare genetic disorder called Brugada Syndrome which causes the heart to beat dangerously fast. Freyja's father, only in his late 20's, passed away of the condition two years ago. All proceeds from sales of the calendar will be given in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
The manager of the The Nag's Head, Angela Denison, said: "We’ve already sold 60-65 copies – it’s been the talk of the pub. It’s gone down a real storm with customers and townspeople so we’re all absolutely ecstatic... Everybody here loves Amy and little Freyja and we’re determined to do our best for them. We’ve already raised several hundred pounds for the heart charity and money is still coming in."
Of the calendar itself, she stated: "People do get sick of having a charity tin waved in front of them. But this is a fantastic local cause that they can relate to – and that makes all the difference... We’re starring men and women and it’s very tongue in cheek naughty... Some of the blokes are pictured strategically hiding their crown jewels and it’s a huge laugh."
School to Snowdon Run Raised Over £2,000 for CRY
Oswestry and Border Counties Advertizer, 13th December 2019
Ellesmere College alumni Johnny Wells, running along with a team of other former students, staff and parents, took on the School to Snowdon challenge; a relay race of 75 miles from the gates of the college to the base of Mount Snowdon. Johnny, who works at Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Shrewsbury, not only completed the challenge, raising £1000 along with his team, but also had those funds matched by Enterprise, bringing the total funds raised for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to over £2000.
"It was an amazing challenge and I’m proud to have been a part of it – all the runners and support team showing huge levels of commitment prior to the event in training and preparation, and then on the day itself," said Johnny. "The weather was also good which helped! I am really proud of everyone for completing the run and we made it to the Pen-Y-Pass car park at the base of Snowdon in just under 13 hours."
Havering Dolphins Charity Swimathon for CRY
Romford Recorder, 12th December 2019
The Havering Dolphins Swim Club held a charity swimathon in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). A spokesperson for the club said: "We would like to thank everyone that took part in the event to make it such a huge success. A huge thank you to everyone who came along to swim, to support us and for generous donations... The Just Giving total now stands at £1150 and it's still not too late for anyone donate."
Couple Cycle from Mumbai to Goa in Memory of Tom Clabburn and Claire Prosser
This Is Local London, 10th December 2019
Juliet and Clive Matthews from Ealing succeeded in completing an intense 500k ride from Mumbai to Goa. The completely self funded challenge was embarked on in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) through raising money for the Tom Clabburn and Claire Prosser Memorial Fund. Tom's fund was set up in 2007 after the 14 year old passed away suddenly of an undiagnosed heart condition. In 2014 his mother, Claire, also passed away of a heart condition and friends and family continued to raise funds in memory of them both.
Juliet stated: "We have always been very supportive of the Tom Clabburn Fund and years later, when Claire died in such tragic circumstances, we wanted to do something special to try to raise money for CRY. Our own son has benefited from the screening programme and so have many other fortunate children."
Family Fundraises for CRY Screenings in Memory of Son Martyn Luckett
Devon Live, 1st December 2019
Martyn Luckett passed away suddenly at just 19 years old in 2005 due to an undiagnosed heart condition, myocarditis. In the wake of his tragic death, his family have ensured more than 2000 young people in Devon have been screened for hidden heart conditions. Thanks to the efforts of Martyn's family, CRY visits North Devon annually.
"We would like to help as many families as possible, so they don't have maybe one day to go through the heartache we have,” said Martyn's mother, Brenda.
Murder Mystery Night Raises Funds for CRY
Tenby Observer, 1st December 2019
The Amroth Arms pub in collaboration with Harvey's Murder Mystery Group recently hosted a fundraising Murder Mystery dinner event in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). A three course meal was served to nearly 100 guests while an interactive 'Murder Mystery' took place for them to discover 'whodunnit'. Following the raffle, for which local residents and businesses generously donated the prizes, it was announced that the event had raised £568.50 for CRY.
Pub to Release ‘Tongue in Cheek” Calendar for CRY
Harborough Mail, 26th November 2019
The Nag's Head Pub in Harborough is about to release a "cheeky" calendar to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). The idea for the calendar came from Amy Lockwood, a bar maid at the pub. Her husband passed away two years ago of Brugada Syndrome, a condition that makes the heart beat rapidly which their three year old daughter, Freyja, shares.
"Freyja’s a livewire little girl and I’m sure she’ll have a normal childhood," said Amy. "She’s being regularly monitored and will be given a pacemaker when she gets to 18. But meanwhile I’d love to do something for the CRY charity because they’ve supported both me and Freyja since my husband so sadly passed away.”
Both staff and regulars of the Nag's Head are starring in the calendar. The pub's manager, Angela Denison commented: "The whole pub’s buzzing – the calendar’s the talk of the town! We all love Amy and we’re determined to do our best for her and little Freyja. We’re featuring both men and women and it’s very tongue in cheek. It’s a real mixed bag and some of the blokes will be seen with strategically-placed objects hiding their crown jewels.”
Free Cardiac Screenings to be Held at the Ageas Bowl in Memory of Claire Reed
Eastleigh News, 25th November 2019
Claire Reed was just 22 years old when she suddenly collapsed and passed away due to an undiagnosed heart condition while she was out with friends. Since she passed away in 2013, her family have honoured her memory by raising over £75,000 to provide heart screenings for young people in their local area. Claire's family, in partnership with Cardiac Risk in the Young, will be running heart screening days on the 25th and 26th of January and 15th of February 2020 in the Ageas Suite of The Ageas Bowl Cricket Ground. The first two screenings are funded by the Hampshire Cricket in the Community and by money raised at the Ladies ‘Lashes’ Charity Luncheon which was held at the Ageas Bowl earlier in the year.
