LIMERICK All-Star hurler Aaron Gillane has his sights set on a different kind of goal this week as he encourages people affected by sudden cardiac death to avail of a new support helpline.
The Patrickswell corner forward is ambassador for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) Ireland which has launched a freephone service to support those grieving the loss of someone to Sudden Cardiac Death or those coping with a lifestyle change because of a diagnosis of an inherited cardiac condition.
“Sudden Cardiac Death is a condition that can affect anyone and having a listening ear and a team of support around you makes all the difference,” Aaron told the Limerick Post.
“I would encourage anyone who might be coping with the loss of someone to sudden cardiac death or inherited cardiac condition, to give CRY a call. They truly understand what you are going through.”
Other County Limerick ambassadors for the helpline are CRY Trustee, Liam Herlihy and his son Sean from Monagea who lost their daughter and sister, Niamh, due to sudden cardiac death in 2011 at the age of 21.
CRY Ireland creates awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death, inherited cardiac conditions and supports those affected by these conditions through free access to cardiac assessments, bereavement counselling and family support programmes.
CRY chief executive Lucia Ebbs said “45% of people would rather keep feelings of grief to themselves than burden others around them according to a survey CRY conducted in 2020.
“As a result, we have been working to create a service that offers a caring and listening ear to those that need it. Grief shouldn’t be dealt with alone and if you need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to The CRY Helpline from any of the 32 counties across Ireland.”
“Many of us here at CRY, including our team of trained helpline volunteers have experienced the loss of a loved one to sudden cardiac death and we truly understand the significance of having a listening ear and team of support around you, when coping with this loss,” Ms Ebbs added.
The CRY Helpline is available at 1800 714080 between 7 and 9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10am to 12 noon on Wednesdays and 4 to 6pm on Sundays.
Details at cry.ie
