LIMERICK hurler Aaron Gillane is the latest sports star to join CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) as an ambassador to help save young lives from Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).
“Sudden Cardiac Death has affected so many families in Ireland and while it is by no means exclusive to sportspeople, I don’t think there is anyone in the GAA who hasn’t been affected by it in some way. CRY has been doing such a fantastic job of screening and supporting families affected by SCD and bringing it to our attention,” Aaron commented.
“As a hurler and sports person, I am proud to be an ambassador to help the organisation to continue raising awareness for Sudden Cardiac Death in Ireland.”
Conditions that cause SCD cannot be cured, but, if diagnosed, the risk of death can be significantly reduced. The best treatment for people at risk is expert assessment and this includes screening. The CRY clinic in Tallaght University Hospital is the only clinic in Ireland that provides a full-time dedicated service, and it is free to all patients affected by the condition.
“We are delighted to announce Aaron as our ambassador. Funds raised for CRY this year will go towards supporting CRY’s free screening service in Tallaght Hospital and directly helps to save lives. This year, we have set an ambitious task to build a new and expanded state-of-the-art CRY Centre – the result of a unique alliance between Tallaght University Hospital, the Department of Health and CRY Ireland,” CRY chairman Tommy Fegan explained.
“This fantastic new facility will enable CRY to eliminate the lengthening waiting list and to provide a significantly increased and more timely screening, investigative and treatment service. We have a target of €880,000 to build the new facility and the money raised and donated to CRY will move us closer to seeing this building materialise.”
