Cardiac screening project in memory of Alex to test 1,000th young person this weekend

A CARDIAC screening project set up in memory of a teenage girl will test its 1,000th young person this weekend (15).
By Gareth Dennison
Published 13th Sep 2018, 10:20 BST
Updated 14th Sep 2018, 09:50 BST
Alexandra ReidAlexandra Reid
Alexandra Reid

The family of Alex Reid set up the tribute initiative — raising more than £100,000 — and offer free ECG tests for people aged 14 to 35.

Fit and healthy Alex (16) died from a previously undiagnosed heart condition the night before her final GCSE exam in 2012.

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GP dad John and mum Heather, a physiotherapist and former uni lecturer, established the Alex Reid Memorial Fund and fundraising included a £24,000 Strictly event earlier this year.

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And the 1,000th young person will be heart screened when the fifth free clinic takes place at Kiveton Park Surgery tomorrow and Sunday.

Heather said: “My extremely fit and seemingly-healthy daughter Alex died in her sleep. “The heartache we feel from losing such a vibrant, happy young person, who had so much to offer, does not diminish.

“Yet our screening weekends always seem to be joyous occasions. Our team are wonderful people and we feel we are helping in some small way.

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“Many people also leave substantial donations after having been screened. I will be the one in the pinny covered with hearts... it belonged to Alex.”

Charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) says the simple ECG test could save 12 young people a week who die in similar circumstances to Alex.

The electrocardiogram is quick and painless and can identify most abnormalities which can lead to sudden deaths in young people.

CRY chief executive Dr Steven Cox said: “The death of a young person is utterly devastating for any family. 

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“It is therefore essential that anyone with a potentially fatal heart condition knows about it.

“This weekend marks a real milestone for everyone involved with the Alex Reid Memorial Fund. 

“We are also immensely grateful for the funds donated to CRY’s research programme by the Reid family. 

“With screening and research working in tandem, we can make huge progress in the prevention of young sudden cardiac death.”

  • q This weekend is fully booked but anyone aged 14 to 35 can register for screening at testmyheart.org.
Related topics:Kiveton Park