Generous taxi passengers have donated more than £70 to charity in memory of an eight-year-old Sittingbourne boy who died three years ago.
Adam Payne died at the Swallows Leisure Centre during a football match on Sunday, January 25, 2004 from a rare heart condition known as sudden death syndrome which caused an unexpected cardiac arrest.
His family, who live in Westerham Road, Sittingbourne, were devastated by Adam's death and his mother Monia now raises funds for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, known as CRY.
Friend Julia Butler, who drives a taxi with Our cabs, took Monia's campaign to the streets, carrying a collection box in her cab to encourage passengers to donate to the appeal.
Julia's efforts raised more than £70 thanks to the gene4rosity of her fares and Monia hopes this money can help raise awareness of the condition, which often goes unnoticed with tragic consequences.
She said: "We would like to see electro-cardiogram tests don in schools. When children have injections in school they should have electro-cardiogram tests as well. I hope the memory of Adam can help other families before they suffer the same tragedy I have."
Sudden death syndrome – unexpected heart attacks in young people – can have a number of causes but many of the heart abnormalities that cause it can be picked up by performing an electro-cardiogram test.
The charity offers support and counselling to families who have experienced the tragedy of sudden death syndrome, which kills eight people a week in Britain. The charity also supports research into the condition and campaigns for greater awareness and screening.
It already runs a mobile screening unit which carries out electro-cardiogram tests on students, although at present it is allowed to visit only private schools.
To donate to the charity, text CRY to 84858.
