During my ten years working as a reflexologist in Kidderminster I have enjoyed many fundraising events. I am adding to this years tenth anniversary celebration with a charity day for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). On 10th November Reflexology will be available all day with all donations going to the charity.
Every week, 12 apparently fit and healthy young people (aged 35 and under) die from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80% of cases, there will have been no signs or symptoms, which is why the charity CRY believes proactive cardiac screening is so vitally important. This is not currently available free on the NHS. Its pioneering screening programme is overseen by world-leading sports cardiologist, Professor Sanjay Sharma. CRY now tests over 27,000 young people (aged 14-35) every year in the UK. I took my son for screening and although we were nervous it was a very easy experience and we were relieved to find that his screening did not show any signs for concern. We were grateful for the screening and so I decided it was time to plan another charity day!
I feel privileged to be supporting the charity CRY. It is important that I can raise as much money as possible to support CRY and to pay tribute to the hundreds of young people who lose their lives to sudden cardiac death in the UK every year, plus help fund CRY’s vital work:
• CRY was founded in May 1995. As well as campaigning and providing a subsidised cardiac screening for young people, the charity also provides an internationally renowned research programme and specialist support to bereaved families.
• CRY funds the CRY Inherited Cardiovascular Disease Clinic and the CRY Centre for Sports Cardiology at St George’s Hospital London
• CRY works closely with MPs to improve awareness of sudden cardiac death in young people, leading to CRY’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG)
Young Sudden Cardiac Death (YSCD) is an umbrella term for heart conditions that affect fit and healthy people which, if not treated can result in sudden death
• CRY’s myheart network offers help, support and information to people who are coping with a diagnosis of an inherited or congenital heart condition. www.myheart.org.uk
• CRY has tested well over 170,000 young people, resulting in 100s of potentially life-threatening conditions being identified. The programme is growing annually.
• Now, anyone between the age of 14 and 35 can book an appointment online and, in 3 clicks, can register to have a free cardiac investigation overseen by a specialist. As CRY receives no government funding this is only possible because of the incredible support CRY receives from communities throughout the UK to provide this free service to the public. www.testmyheart.org.uk
For more details about the event or to book your fundraising reflexology appointment please call Joanne on 07531121199 or email breathetime@gmail.com.
To find out more about CRY and details of the services it provides visit www.c-r-y.org.uk.
