Our lovely, amazing son Gideon died in 2008, of an unsuspected  heart condition. Since he died, and especially in those early days when life for those of us left behind - myself and my wife Suzie, brother Sam and  sister Lucy - did not seem worth living, we have received tremendous support from the charity CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young. Now we raise money to arrange free CRY cardiac screenings in the area close to where we live, in the hope of saving other young lives by spotting potential heart problems early.

Thanks to your support we have been able to arrange four such screenings so far - in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017. Each of these events has the facilities and expertise available to screen up to 100 young people in the age group 14 to 35 in one day. Happily, the majority are found to be fit and well with no heart issues but if problems are indicated then early measures can be taken.

The events are free to attend, and the dedicated medical and auxiliary staff give their services gladly, but of course there are also the costs of transport, specialist equipment, premises hire, insurance and so on. Since 1995, CRY had managed to keep the charges to the individual memorial funds down to £35 per booking, but from 2018 onward this increases to £50. The aim is to screen 100 youngsters each time, so the cost per event nowadays is £5000.

On the 16th July 2019 as part of "Wazzock to the Max"  , with my good friend Anthony O'Connor, I cycled from Dolgellau to Barmouth and back along the Mawddach Trail. On the 18th we climbed Cadair Idris. (See update and added photos) Despite advancing decrepitude, I intend to think up other ways in future to entertain people and raise money for CRY.

Due to the impact of Covid, CRY's central funds became severely depleted and we and others were asked to release some of the ring-fenced  Screening Funds to help out, which we gladly did. Now, in order to organise another screening, we need to raise a further £4000. Please give whatever you can - it is hugely appreciated. 

You can catch up on all of this plus other entertaining stuff, by visiting my blog: