FAMILIES who have suffered the tragic loss of a young person to cardiac death were among charity walkers who took to the streets of Durham on Sunday.

The 12th annual CRY Heart of Durham Walk, which has raised over £80,000 for Cardiac Risk in the Young since its launch in 2010, saw supporters do an 8km circular route from Durham Amateur Rowing Club.

Last year – due to lockdown restrictions – was the first time in over a decade the event had to be cancelled although many supporters did still complete a virtual walk.

This year, people who still preferred not to travel or just to stay a bit closer to home took part in the event remotely, walking the same distance in their local area.

Volunteer David Jewell, whose devotion to the charity saw him appointed its regional representative for Tyne and Wear, found CRY following the tragic and sudden death of his only son Damien, 28, in 2001.

He said: “Fellow bereaved dad, Jeff Morland, set up this important event in 2010 and, like me, knows the devastation of losing a son to young sudden cardiac death in his twenties.

"Jeff and all the other local volunteers who have helped the Durham Walk grow from strength to strength are so inspiring and I’m also honoured and willing to keep coming back to Durham (where we always receive such a warm welcome) to do whatever I can to help.

“Like so many other charities, the impact of lockdown in 2020 saw CRY having to cancel the majority of its fundraising and awareness events – and the Durham Walk was no exception.

“We were able to take many events online and CRY supporters were amazing in their efforts to keep going using virtual platforms. Everyone got so creative – it was really encouraging to see. But I can’t deny, it was such a special day on Sunday, meeting up again in person and coming together to remember those we have lost, whilst continuing with our shared mission of raising awareness of CRY’s work to prevent young sudden cardiac death.”

Every week in the UK, at least 12 people under 35 die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80 per cent of cases, there will have been no warning signs or symptoms, so CRY campaigns for vital screening.

Dr Steven Cox, Chief Executive of CRY, said: “It really was wonderful to be back in Durham as our programme of events starts to resume following such a difficult and challenging 18 months for CRY – and charities all over.

“CRY has a long and positive heritage with the people of Durham and the North East and it therefore felt ‘right’ to have returned in Autumn 2021, holding this safe, and well-established outdoor event that brought bereaved families together – many of whom may not have met up since we were last here in October 2019.”

The CRY Heart of Durham Walk in Durham city on Sunday Picture: DOUG MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY

The CRY Heart of Durham Walk in Durham city on Sunday Picture: DOUG MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY

The CRY Heart of Durham Walk in Durham city on Sunday Picture: DOUG MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY

The CRY Heart of Durham Walk in Durham city on Sunday Picture: DOUG MOODY PHOTOGRAPHY

 

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