Welcome to our fundraising appeal, set up to raise money for a 'Screening Fund' to enable local young people to be screened for underlying cardiac conditions in memory of Richard Hennings, a long term member of Wey Valley Swimming Club.

It was during a training session at the Guildford Spectrum in July 2025, Richard suffered acute cardiac arrest and subsequently died poolside, despite the efforts of pool staff, SECAM ambulance crews and the air ambulance medical team. It turned out he had underlying cardiac conditions he was unaware of and so we want to do something that changes this for others.

A large base of the club, including family and friends, will be undertaking a 24 hour sponsored relay swim at the Guildford Spectrum over the weekend of 11th/12th April, with the aim of raising money to fund a screening session for club members, friends, and the local community. The fundraising is to both raise awareness of heart conditions and provide a genuine legacy in his memory.

Richard would have been the first to take part in an event like this so please do support us in this special cause.

CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young)

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

WVSC has 200+ swimming members involving teaching groups from 5y/o through to competitive masters in their 60s, although the majority of members are under the age of 18. www.wvsc.co.uk