Hundreds get lifesaving heart screening
More than 100 people came to a free heart screening event in memory of a woman who suddenly died in her sleep aged 23.
The event at Dudley Leisure Centre, on Saturday, was organised by Peter Teale who lost his daughter, Zoe, in 2009 from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.
Since her death Peter, who lives in Stourbridge, has raised more than £80,000 for support charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young.
Peter said: "
The money in the fund has been used to pay for heart screenings within the West Midlands area, organised by CRY and overseen by the cardiologists.
"The simple ECG can detect heart conditions that young adults are unaware of.
"At least 12 young adults die each week in the UK of undetected heart conditions.
"Screenings are not available on the NHS, it’s bereaved families that organise these.
"We organised the screening in Dudley and all of the 100 places were snapped up very quickly.
"People are now starting to be more aware of these sudden deaths."
Also attending the event was former Dudley North MP Ian Austin, who commended the work of Peter and CRY.
Peter has raised thousands through a number of events, including the Wolverhampton Half Marathon and the London Marathon in honour of his daughter.
The event in Dudley raised a further £581 towards the cause.
Funds have enabled them to screen more than 2,000 young people and potentially save lives.
Peter added: "We are amazed at the number of over 20 year olds who have already been detected and whose lives have been saved as a result of the screenings.
"It’s a comfort to think that although Zoe died she has helped to save other young adults from these tragedies."
