State-of-the-art CRY centre will help to save young lives
By William O'Connor
PROGRESS is being made on the new CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) centre in Tallaght University Hospital.
Minister for Health, Simon Harris paid a visit to the new Centre on Tuesday and helped to launch CRY’s fundraising campaign for €880,000 to complete the centre.
Tommy Fegan, Chairman of CRY Ireland; Dr Deirdre Ward, Consultant Cardiologist CRY;
and Minister for Health Simon Harris TD during the visited to the new CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) Centre in Tallaght University Hospital
CRY is an Irish charity that facilitates free cardiac assessments and support to individuals and families who have lost loved ones to Sudden Cardiac Death or are affected by inherited cardiac conditions.
Speaking at Tallaght University Hospital, Minister Harris said: “I am delighted to be here to see the progress of this new state-of-the-art facility that will help to save young lives.
“It is fantastic to see a unique public and private partnership with the Department of Health, CRY Ireland and Tallaght University Hospital for such an important and worthy cause.
“My colleague Minister Patrick O’Donovan who has been an active supporter of this great charity, has seen first-hand the devastation caused and the support provided to two families in his own community who lost children to sudden cardiac death.
“The collaboration represents a powerful partnership of CRY Ireland, the HSE and Tallaght University Hospital and will deliver a much needed modern facility for families affected.”
The Minister also helped to launch CRY’s fundraising campaign for €880,000 to complete the centre.
Approximately two people under the age of 35 die every week in Ireland from Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD). Conditions that cause SCD cannot be cured, but if diagnosed, risk of death can be significantly reduced.
The best treatment for people at risk is expert assessment and this includes screening. The CRY centre is the only clinic in Ireland that provides a full-time dedicated service.
The new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art centre will provide free evaluation and treatment for at-risk individuals and families.
This partnership development with the hospital and the HSE will cost a total of €1.2 million of which CRY has committed to raising €880,000 from public donations.
Tommy Fegan, Chairman of CRY (Ireland) who lost his 24-year-old son Kevin from SCD in 2010, welcomed the Minister’s visit to the CRY Centre, “I would like to thank Minister Harris for coming out to mark the progress of the new facility and to launch the fundraising campaign.
“We are delighted by the Government’s engagement in our plans to expand our services at Tallaght University Hospital. CRY has committed to raising €880,000 as its contribution to the project. I am delighted to say we have raised just over €350,000 to date including generous contributions from families who have been supported by CRY.
“We are also very thankful to all the individuals and companies who support us, and call on anyone interested to please get involved in our fundraising events and initiatives across Ireland.”
CRY Ireland is encouraging families and friends to support this fundraising campaign by participating in some of their planned fundraising events, such as the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and the Camino for CRY.
To find out more about CRY and Sudden Cardiac Death please visit www.cry.ie
