Hundreds of students checked for heart conditions at cardiac screening event

According to CRY, at least 12 young people die every week of undiagnosed heart conditions. The charity is dedicated to reducing the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) and supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions, while providing bereavement support to families affected by YSCD.

Taking place at Newcastle College’s Gordon Banks Sports Centre over two days, the event saw a turnout of around 250 students undergoing the heart health evaluations.

Screening with an ECG can identify conditions such as heart muscle disorders and electrical faults of the heart in people who are not showing any symptoms of cardiac disorders.

The event also provided an opportunity for the Stafford College Professional Studies faculty to present CRY with a cheque for £1018.50, following a fundraising campaign lead by NSCG’s Riverbank Restaurant and the Catering department, in memory of student Harvey Linney who passed away last year from a heart condition.

George Harden, Hospitality and Catering student at Stafford College, said: “I lost my friend to an unexpected heart attack last year, so it was important to me that I got my heart checked to make sure I’m safe and healthy, or if a problem was detected - to have the opportunity to find solution before it’s too late.”

Speaking about the event, Mark Kent, Director of Professional Studies at NSCG, said: “We are proud to support the ongoing work of the Cardiac Risk in the Young charity and in this instance their visit to our campus that has facilitated a cardiac screening for so many of our students.

“The charity’s work is essential in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death and supporting those who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to a cardiac related issue in a young person. I want to extend a big thank you to our Catering department, the Riverbank Restaurant and our wider college community for raising funds and awareness for a charity that is important to us all and particularly those who knew Harvey.”

Dave Hughes, father of Daniel Hughes, whose memorial fund made the Cardiac Screening sessions at NSCG possible, attended the event and said: “Screening so many young people at this age is brilliant. Detecting problems early is vitally important in reducing the number of young people dying from undiagnosed heart conditions.”

For more information about CRY and their work in preventing young sudden cardiac deaths, visit: https://www.c-r-y.org.uk/about-us/