by Rebecca Hannant
Withernsea is set to host another life-saving heart screening session next month.
The charity Cardiac Arrest in the Young (CRY) is to host the free screening on October 30 at the Meridian Centre, Withernsea.
People aged between 14 and 35 will be offered an ECG test which will check for any underlying heart defects or abnormalities. The aim is to prevent sudden deaths in young people which otherwise may not be diagnosed.
The charity will be supported by the Darren Uscroft Memorial Fund, which was set up in memory of the 27-year-old from Roos who died in his sleep of an undiagnosed heart condition.
Darren’s family set up the charity to raise money for the installation of defibrillators around the area as well as to ensure that regular screenings such as this one can go ahead.
Each session costs around £6,500 and can help screen 100 people. So far, 200 people have been screened around the Withernsea area. After the third screening next month, this figure will reach 300 people.
CRY is entirely dependent on the funds raised by its supporters, and fundraising initiatives such as those held in memory of Darren Uscroft are vital in ensuring that the charity can carry on its work to save lives.
The ECG test is a quick and non-invasive test that detects unusual or abnormal rhythms in young people. If necessary, a further echocardiogram can also be taken on the same day to provide further clarity or reassurance.
Bookings are limited to 100 places, and anyone wishing to be screened can visit testmyheart.org.uk/events/withernsea-east-riding-of-yorkshire.
Anyone wishing to donate can contact supporter Kerri Dawson at [email protected] for details. Donations will also be accepted on the day of the screening.
For more details about CRY, visit c-r-y.org.uk.
