Funds raised in memory of local man, Graeme Blenkinsop, mean that up to 200 local young people from the Isle of Wight will have the opportunity to be screened for potentially dangerous heart conditions by experts from the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), at the end of this month.
The last few places for the event – to be held at Cowes Enterprise College on the weekend of 29th & 30th July – are still available. Anyone aged between 14 and 35 is encouraged to sign up soon to book a place at www.testmyheart.org.uk
The demand for places on CRY’s unique screening programme remains extremely high, with a national waiting list of over 50,000. So, next month’s screening weekend represents an important opportunity for young Islanders to be tested for underlying heat conditions.
Every week in the UK, at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young (that is aged 35 and under) die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80% of these cases, there will have been no warning signs, until it was too late – which is why CRY believes proactive cardiac screening amongst asymptomatic young people is so vitally important.
Graeme Blenkinsop was just 21 when he died suddenly from a cardiac issue in August 2006. Since his sudden and tragic death, Graeme’s family has been committed to tirelessly raising funds in his memory – having now reached an incredible £45,000.
Graeme’s Memorial Fund with CRY has already helped to fund 3 previous screening days (testing almost 300 young people, to date), as well as supporting CRY’s Research Programme and core services.
Dr Steven Cox, Chief Executive of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) comments:
“CRY’s screening programme now provides testing for over 25,000 young people in the UK every year. And, it’s only due to the incredible commitment and fundraising efforts of families such as Graeme’s that we are able to offer our programme at no cost to the individual when they sign up to be screened at www.testmyheart.org.uk.”
Article continues below this advertisement “As with so many of CRY’s amazing supporters, Graeme’s family have so bravely been able to see beyond their own devastating experience to help play a crucial part in preventing other families from having to endure the same grief as they have.”
“We owe so much to our supporters and will continue to work hard on their behalf to ensure we can reduce the incidence of young sudden cardiac death through awareness, research and screening. We also pledge to campaign for cardiac screening to be extended and made accessible to all young people”.
CRY’s screening programme is overseen by Professor Sanjay Sharma, Professor of Inherited Cardiovascular Disease and Sports Cardiology at St George’s, University of London. He is also currently Medical Director of the London Marathon. Thanks to Professor Sharma’s support in supervising the CRY screening programme, CRY can significantly subsidise the programme – privately, these tests could cost hundreds of pounds.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) test is a simple way to trace the heart’s rhythm and identify the vast majority of abnormalities that can cause sudden deaths in young people. The test is quick and non-invasive. If necessary, a further Echocardiogram (ultrasound scan) can be taken on the same day as a CRY screening to provide further clarity or reassurance
Although screening will not identify all those at risk, in Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, the incidence of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) has decreased by 89%. Sport itself does not cause YSCD but it can significantly increase a young person’s risk if they have an underlying condition. However, research carried out by CRY has also shown that many of these deaths will also occur when a young person is at rest or even sleeping.
Graeme’s sister, Lynda concludes;
“It’s truly amazing the amount of money that has been raised in memory of Graeme through different fundraising events and donations. Many of these events have been organised by Graeme’s family and friends. One friend even had his whole head and beard shaved off, which he had been growing for a very long time!”
“A group of his best friends ran around the Isle of Wight over the course of a weekend and there have been many charity football matches over the years, which saw friends of Graeme play against a local football club. I believe that Graeme, as we all are, would be honoured and proud that the money raised has been used to fund screening days, with CRY, helping prevent another family from losing someone they love.”
“We miss Graeme every day, but knowing that these screening days are taking place will help to raise awareness of the charity and Cardiac Risk in the Young.”
After all the recent medical procedures dished out, it is a good idea