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
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