Taking your child to a CRY heart screening

The thought of taking someone to a heart screening can be daunting. Here, journalist and family friend Stephanie Smith reflects on her experience at the Ealing screenings on November 10.

It was fantastic being able to get my son, Fergus’s, heart checked out locally with a minimum of fuss in a really efficient way.

He will hopefully be off to university next year, and no longer living at home full-time, so it was an opportune moment to do so.

Everyone was friendly and welcoming at the screening, the paperwork was just kept to essentials, and an atmosphere of calm professionalism prevailed, which helped to overcome my son’s initial nerves concerning the procedure.

The test itself took no more than a few minutes, and after a short wait, and a brief chat with the doctor, he was back off to his five-a-side football.

It’s truly wonderful that medical professionals and volunteers give up their time to help, let alone the fund-raising that has gone on beforehand to achieve this, as it would not be available on the NHS, and cost hundreds of pounds to have it done privately.

Although we knew the bundle of fun, Tom Clabburn, in whose name the sessions were made possible, many people in the room had no personal connection, but were quietly waiting their turn, and grateful for the opportunity the CRY scheme gives.

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A successful day of screenings

Claire and Paul, centre, with the CRY team

Nearly 90 people were tested at the latest free CRY Heart Screenings in Ealing on Sunday, November 10.

Tom’s mum, Claire, said “This is the fifth year in a row we have been able to hold screenings in west London thanks to fund-raising by our friends and supporters. We are pleased that so many people took up the opportunity in the month that would have been Tom’s 21st birthday”

Of the 86 people tested, 8 will have further reviews.

As ever, we are grateful to the CRY team, pictured with us above, for their enthusiasm and professionalism.

CRY’s efforts in contacting people with reminders in advance of the event (thanks Suzanne), paid dividends, with numbers up on last year and fewer cancellations.