Home / Health / Heart Screening Saves Lives After Teen's Tragic Death
Heart Screening Saves Lives After Teen's Tragic Death
22 Jan
Summary
- Parents raised over £32,000 for heart defect screenings.
- Screenings target former classmates of son who died at 14.
- Charity CRY says 12 young people die weekly from undiagnosed heart conditions.
A Worcestershire couple has raised an impressive £32,735 to fund vital heart defect screenings for students at their son Matthew's former school. Matthew tragically passed away at the age of 14 on Boxing Day 2024 following a sudden cardiac arrest, having shown no prior symptoms. His parents, Chris Notely and Simone Peake, partnered with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to organize the screening event.
The screening event was successfully held at The Chase High School in Malvern, costing £14,000. Each pupil's check cost £70. The remaining funds will support similar events next year, aiming to extend the benefit to more year groups. This initiative provides essential early detection for potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions.
According to CRY, at least 12 young individuals in the UK die each week due to undiagnosed heart conditions, with 80% showing no prior symptoms. Cardiologist Dr Dimitra Maritsa emphasized the effectiveness and simplicity of the screening process, which includes a questionnaire, ECG, and consultation. Students identified with a cardiac defect will be referred to specialists.
