The Importance of the Charity 'Cardiac Risk in the Young'

Back on 18th July 2010 a group of fans took park in the CRY - Bridges Walk to help raise awareness of undiagnosed heart conditions in memory of Stephen. It was a lovely event in which we are prepared to do again next year. We as Stephen's fans didn't go unnoticed by other walkers who happily approached us to ask questions and the charity itself who mentioned us at the beginning of the walk on the main stage.

(the fans before the CRY Bridges Walk 2010)

They wrote an article about Stephen which featured in 'Cardiac Risk in the Young' update 51 magazine page 63 (Jan-April 2010). A snippet from the article read with the headline: Heart Screening Boost - Organisers believe that the passing of Stephen could boost the attendance at heart screening clinics. They are hopeful that some teenagers and young adults who otherwise wouldn't have considered having their health checked will now go along for screening. Mrs Gard, CRY's divisional representative for the East of England said, ever since the sudden death of Stephen Gately, screening events around the country have been especially well supported due to increased awareness that this can happen to anyone and not just those involved in sport.

Today I experienced first hand just how important the money raised at events like the CRY Bridges Walk actually is as I attended a heart screening appointment at a unit local to me. It was free and took up very little time. I had registered online shortly after I heard about it a couple of months ago. A week or two before the screening they send you a confirmation email which also contained a couple of forms asking some straight forward health related questions that you fill out and take to the appointment with you.

They inform you of what to expect beforehand so you are not left wondering. The staff running the unit were professional, friendly and talkative which really helps put people at ease. The procedure itself only took a few minutes and the results are then passed to a consultant who you see before you leave so there is no waiting around to receive results through the post. To my relief my results were clear but I would definitely urge others in the specified age bracket to look out for CRY units in their local area in the future... it could put your mind at rest and even save your life!

Shez @ Steo's Superfanz

'Loved for a Reason' charity party

We are extremely happy with how the party went on 23rd October 2010 and we would like to say a huge thank you to those who attended. As it was our first attempt at hosting a party like that, we were a little unsure of what to expect. We hadn't sold as many tickets as we had hoped so all we could do was wait and see what would happen. We needn't have worried though as the whole night was a success.

I nice group of people turned up, food and wine was flowing and people were generally enjoing themselves and mingling well. Our raffle went down a treat with some fab prizes, we had Boyzone and Steo songs playing and had a rather evil quiz in which the winning team won superman mugs.

(Our selection of raffle prizes)

(The winning quiz team and their mugs)

Our special guests were the lovely Pat and Phyllis, Stephen and Andrew's very good friends who were happy to talk to anyone that approached them. After reading out a "sorry I can't be here" message from Andy he turned up shortly afterwards with Admin (from Stephen Gately official) and surprised us all :)

We ended the night with a good old boogie and some of us went on to party until the early hours. We raised £732.56 for Caudwell Children which was kindly doubled by Andy to make a whopping £1,465. We are hoping to make it an annual event so we are looking forward to seeing some new faces next year... who's up for it?

Organisers: Shez, Silvia, Gemma, Debbie, Freya, Betina & Julia