ROTARIANS have been doing their bit to help prevent young people from suffering sudden cardiac deaths.

Chingford Rotary Club chose Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) as its main charity to support during the 2019-20 year.

This followed a visit by Della Tudisca, whose daughter Issy died from an undiagnosed heart condition.

CRY is a charity that aims to help prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening, research and supporting affected families.

Every week in the UK at least 12 seemingly fit and healthy young people under the age of 35 die from undiagnosed heart conditions.

There are no prior symptoms of a heart defect in 80 per cent of cases of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD).

CRY operates a screening programme as it believes that YSCD can be dramatically reduced by making heart screening available to young people aged between 14 and 35.

This programme has been boosted by the £2,000 donation Chingford Rotary Club has given to CRY.

The coronavirus pandemic meant the traditional presentation evening was unable to held this year but Geoff Benjamin, who was club president for 2019-20, said CRY had been very pleased to accept a more low key “cheque in the post”.

Chingford Rotary Club usually meet every Tuesday for a meal at the Gilwell Park Hotel, International Scouting Centre, Bury Road, Chingford. We welcome anyone who is interested in becoming a member.

The Club is not meeting physically at the moment due to Covid-19 restrictions.

For further information, contact: Michael Lewis on 020 8527 0993 or email m.j.lewis618@btinternet.com