Cardiac Risk in the Young sponsor Brentford FC next year

Brentford Football Club are once again proud to announce that CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) are to be their secondary away shirt sponsors for a second successive year, next season (2009/10).

The partnership, which was first announced in August of last year when the Football Club took the decision to donate the secondary sponsorship of the away kit to a charity for the current season, has proved to be a most rewarding one for all concerned.

It has, through the very nature of the sponsorship, been able to spread the message far and wide that young lives can be saved if those at risk are given the requisite help and advice, which is generally available, early enough.

Brentford Manager Andy Scott, himself a victim of a life threatening heart disorder which necessitated his premature retirement from playing football, said: “The charity is one which is very dear to me and one of which I am proud to say I am a patron. I have long been of the belief that young sports enthusiasts should have regular access to the cardiac testing programmes which CRY provide and I firmly believe that the exposure that this partnership provides could prove to be the catalyst for raising awareness at other clubs up and down the country.”

Alison Cox MBE, CRY Founder and Chief Executive said: “CRY is enormously grateful to Brentford Football Club for once again choosing us as their partner charity for the season 2009/2010. We have been very proud to appear on their away shirt during this current season. This partnership has helped to highlight the issue of Young Sudden Cardiac Death, particularly in football, and helped to save young lives.”

CRY is a charity that raises awareness of Cardiac Risk in the Young. At least 12 apparently "fit and healthy" young people (aged 35 and under) die every week in the UK of undiagnosed cardiac conditions. CRY aims to prevent these tragedies by raising awareness; providing free information and operating a national cardiac testing programme in local communities, sports clubs and schools. CRY also offers support with its fast track services for bereaved families - including coroner referrals, expert cardiac pathology and bereavement support. Furthermore, CRY supports young people who have been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening cardiac condition.

CRY expects to test the hearts of more than 10,000 young adults this year, either via its specialist clinics across the UK or its mobile screening units that regularly visit sports clubs and schools. The simple 10 minute test involves a non-invasive ECG and, if necessary, a follow up echo-cardiogram which is done at the cardiac testing event on the day. This potentially life-saving procedure is significantly subsidised by the charity.

CRY has an ECG testing clinic at the Olympic Medical Institute, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow. To book an appointment go to www.c-r-y.org.uk/ecg.htm