On Saturday 30th June, Bob Neill attended a cardiac screening session at the Old Elthamians Sports Club where the Ben Daniels Memorial Fund enabled 108 young people to be screened by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) at no cost. Every week in the UK, around 12 young people (aged 35 and under) lose their lives to sudden cardiac death - a statistic that is believed to be a conservative estimate.
The Ben Daniels Memorial Fund was set up by his parents, Paul and Helena, after Ben died suddenly at the age of 15 from an undiagnosed heart condition whilst playing football with his Ex Blues FC teammates last year. Thanks to the support of friends, family and the local community the Fund has already raised over £50,000 since it was set up on March 16th. The Fund will also be sponsoring another screening session later in the year at Ravens Wood School.
Bob Neill, a new member of CRY’s All Parliamentary Party Group, said following his visit to this screening session:
“The sudden and unexpected death of Ben Daniels last year was a desperately sad event and he clearly meant the world to his family, his friends and all those who were lucky enough to compete with him in the sports he loved.
“I have no doubt that our local community will get behind the Ben’s Memorial Fund, which has been set up by his parents to help reduce the number of similar tragedies which rob young people of life so prematurely. We can all do our bit to honour Ben’s memory by supporting the Fund and encouraging our young people to attend screening session like this - regardless of whether they are showing any symptoms or not.”
Ben's father, Paul, added:
“This screening event is an important milestone for Ben’s Fund and is a fitting and very special tribute to Ben – who is missed by so many of his school friends and sporting colleagues. He was such a role model and team player – we just knew we had to do something positive in his memory.
“I can’t thank our friends, neighbours and Ben’s friends enough for their efforts and energy in helping us to raise funds for - and continued awareness of the importance of - cardiac screening in young people.”
Notes to Editors
For photos, further information or to arrange an interview with Paul Daniels or a representative from the Ben Daniels Memorial Fund please call: THE CRY PRESS OFFICE: JO HUDSON ON 020 8786 3860 / 0770 948 7959: jo.hudson@trinitypr.co.uk