Donna Mills of Cardiac Risk in the Young for Eden (CRY for EDEN) who has raised thousands of pounds for a heart screening weekend in Penrith met with Penrith and The Border Neil Hudson MP.
Donna talked with Dr Hudson about the charity and its efforts to heart screen young people in the local community.
Tragically 12 young adults lose their lives every week to undetected heart defects in the UK, some 80% of those without displaying any prior symptoms.
But thanks to Donna Mills' campaigning and the immense generosity of local people, CRY for EDEN has raised enough money to host a screening weekend in Penrith on 17th and 18th February 2024 for 14-35-year-olds and a second is planned for the 26th amd 27th of October 2024.
Each screening day costs £6,000 where 100 young adults are screened. Screening is conducted by having an ECG (electrocardiogram) test. Results should be read by a cardiologist. For extra clarity an Echocardiogram can also be done. If there has been a young (under 35) sudden death in the family, the family is entitled to be screened on the NHS.
All of CRY’s public events are free to attend.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Thank you to Donna for raising such a critical issue with me. To have a son or a daughter hospitalised, or worse, through an undetected heart defect is simply unthinkable. As such, I'm encouraging those eligible to get in touch with CRY for EDEN and make a proactive decision to get screened and protect their future.
"This screening weekend is only thanks to the incredible hard work or CRY organisers like Donna as well as the generosity of local people and businesses who have donated so much for such a worthy cause."
Donna Mills of CRY for EDEN said:
"It was lovely meeting Neil, and I’m extremely grateful for any support he can offer the charity.
"CRY for EDEN has been set up to screen as many young people’s hearts between the ages of 14-35 within the Eden area.12 young people lose their lives every week in the UK, from undiagnosed and undetected genetic heart conditions.
"The screening programme consists of an ECG, an appointment with a cardiologist, and an echocardiogram if needed. This will be done at every screening event.
"My aim is to continue the fundraising and allow the campaign to continue for many more years to come. Raising awareness will help the charity within our community and undoubtedly save lives."
Those interested in taking advantage of the heart screening programme should contact Cry for Eden by emailing debdixon002@gmail.com.
The February screening appointments have now been booked but a cancellation list for February is available with the next Penrith screening event taking place in October.
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