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Posted by on Jul 21, 2021 in 2021, Awareness, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Uncategorized

Heather’s epic run for Tom and all those like him @CRY_UK

Heather Reid
Picture by Heather Reid.

Heather Reid is a remarkable woman who has set herself an extraordinary challenge – to run 624 miles in tribute to all the young people who CRY say die suddenly from a ‘hidden’ heart condition every year in the UK.

Having lost her own 16-year-old daughter, Alex, in 2012, Heather has dedicated each mile of the final 120 miles to an individual who has died too soon. On Monday July 19, at our request, Heather ran in memory of Tom.

Heather said: “It was a privilege to run a mile in honour of Tom. Early on Monday morning I went for a very hot but beautiful run along the Chesterfield canal. It was a gorgeous morning and the birds were singing in full voice. 

“The top photograph is where I paused after I had completed Tom’s mile in memory. It is Oneslide lock between a hamlet called Turner Wood and Shireoaks.

“It was so peaceful and a perfect place to take a few moments to think about Tom and also you, your family and friends.

“Throughout this year long challenge I have watched the seasons change.  I have watched the trees turn, drop and become renewed again. I have observed this family of ducks hatch and grow.”

Picture by Heather Reid.

Later, Heather explained that she was approaching her penultimate week and added: “I can’t believe I am almost there now.”

Heather is from Thorpe Salvin, a village close to Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Since her daughter’s death, she and her husband John – supported by friends, family, the local community and Alex’s school and sporting friends – have raised awareness of young sudden cardiac death and the importance of screening and research.

We’re grateful beyond words that Heather included Tom in her endeavour and look forward to reading that she has successfully completed her trek. Bon voyage, Heather!

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Posted by on May 24, 2021 in 2021, Awareness, Cardiac Risk in the Young, CRY London Bridges Walk, Uncategorized

Walk again for @CRY_UK on June 27 #YSCD

CRY Walk 3 en route
En route during last year’s walk.

We’ll be walking in memory of Tom and all those like him on Sunday, June 27.

We will set out in support of Cardiac Risk in the Young at 1100 from Kew Green. We’ll take a circular route via Chiswick and Kew Bridges, finishing back at Kew Green. It’s about three miles and takes an hour or so to complete.

While ensuring we are compliant with whatever COVID regulations are in place at the time, we’d love as many people as possible to join us. Let us know you’re coming by emailing thetomclabburnfund@gmail.com or by leaving a message on our Facebook page.

It’s the second year in succession, CRY has had to cancel its Heart of London Bridges Walk because of uncertainty caused by the COVID pandemic. CRY says: “We can’t wait to (virtually) walk with you this year. On 27th June, join us from wherever you are in the UK.” It’s the 15th year the walk has taken place.

If you want to register, do so here. You don’t have to but it gets you a T-shirt. Like many charities, CRY has struggled during COVID and needs to raise its profile again. A proudly worn tee will help to do just that.

If anyone needed reminding about the value of CRY’s work, a recent documentary on the BBC, “Sudden Adult Death: My Sister’s Silent Killer”, highlights the importance.  It follows a brother’s search for answers after losing his 19-year-old sister to an undiagnosed heart condition. We’d urge anyone to watch but, be warned, the first couple of minutes, which replay the recorded call to emergency services, are particularly hard. It’s available on BBC iPlayer.

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