Raising money for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young)

I first heard about the charity CRY  and the work that they did back in September 2016 when Rosie Mitchell sadly died very unexpectedly whilst rowing on the Thames in Kingston. Although we didn’t know Rosie well she was in the same rowing club as Robbie and was in the year below him at Grey Court. She was just 15 years old.

Rosie’s death seemed unbelievable, but a one off, something that wouldn’t happen to anyone else we knew.  Sadly this wasn’t the case.  Just after Christmas our friends daughter Freya Cox was also taken seriously ill and unbelievably she too lost her life shortly afterwards, also from an undiagnosed heart condition. 

We knew just how proud the Cox family were of Freya and how devastating this was for them.  She was 19, the same age as Elsie and there were so many similarities between them it really hit home just how precious our children are.  This time was enough for me to take notice and to do something positive for CRY.

I decided to give myself a personal challenge.  I looked for something pretty hard that would encourage people to donate.  I found out Freya was planning to do a triathlon this year, and so was Elsie, so it seemed apt to make that my challenge.

I’m a strong swimmer but a sea swim off Brighton Beach won’t be a ride in the park, and I am definitely no runner.  I don’t have any cycling experience, but everyone can ride a bike can’t they?

I have also finally managed to get around to booking an ECG screening test for Elsie and Robbie and if you wish to do the same, the details are at www.c-r-y.org.uk/cardiac-screening/  or follow @CRY_UK on Twitter .  They offer FREE screenings for anyone aged 14 to 35.

Thank you, Lucy

[Thank you to the Cox family and the Mitchell family for providing the photos of their beautiful daughters]

Every week in the UK at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed cardiac conditions. With your donation, CRY can reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) by working with cardiologists and family doctors to establish good practice and appropriate screening facilities to promote and protect the cardiac health of our young. By supporting CRY you will help save young lives from these potentially fatal cardiac conditions. See how your support can help by visiting www.c-r-y.org.uk

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your  details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send  unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to  the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and  cutting costs for the charity.