Cardiac Risk in the Young

CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG

Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund

June was a hive of activity for us here at Matt’s Fund but we were absolutely delighted to take time out to receive a cheque for an astounding £1,000 from Marion and Mark at Best Wishes in Garstang. This was raised from the sales of Garstang Lights scenic Christmas cards (both at Best wishes and at Houghton’s Garage), which featured fabulous photos of Garstang in winter, generously provided by Mike Coleran. The proceeds from sales of protective face coverings also went towards the total. Thank you to all who have helped achieve this amazing amount which will enable 20 young people to be tested and especially to Mark and Marion for everything they do for the charity and community. The month ended in a very poignant manner as fellow CRY fundraiser, Heather Reid paid tribute to our much missed son on her yearlong challenge in memory of her daughter, Alex, and many others who have also lost their lives so tragically young. Heather has been running 624 miles as this is the approximate number of young people who fall victim to Young Sudden Cardiac Death each year, and, whilst running along the beautiful Chesterfield canal, she paused from covering a mile in Matt’s memory. Heather stopped at lock number 22, Matt’s age when he died. In her own words ‘It was tranquil and the perfect spot to take a few moments to think about your precious son’. We feel very honoured by this lovely gesture from Heather and wish her well with her fundraising endeavours. July too has seen a very thoughtful act of kindness with the Catterall Bloomers’ Crazy Daisy team creating beautiful artwork in the Pickering’s bus shelter in memory of Matthew, recalling his love of daisies and forget-me-nots. This was his very last stop in Catterall from where he travelled to ‘Owd Nells on that fateful night so it makes their efforts all the more moving and humbling. If you’re walking around the village do have a look at all the bus stops if you can, they are vibrant and delightful. Thank you very much for doing this and to all the team for all you do to brighten up our lovely village. The month has certainly brought its fair share of sunshine, and on a glorious July day 16 year old Dexter Dunford celebrated his birthday by completing a sky dive together with Mark Jones at the Black Knights, Cockerham. The intrepid pair raised a magnanimous £280 for CRY at the same time! Well done guys and thank you, it was a fabulous spectacle, but we’ll definitely be well and truly keeping our feet on the ground. Mid July was hot, hot, hot and our market stall on the high street raised a scorching £409. Thank you to everyone who donated, visited and helped. Our next outing is on Sun 1st Aug, when