Jackson Carlaw MSP has pledged his support to a campaign that aims to save the lives of young people who have undetected cardiac conditions.
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) recently hosted an event at the Scottish Parliament and the charity is calling on elected parliamentary representatives to support a National Strategy for the Prevention of Young Sudden Cardiac Deaths.
In the UK, at least 12 young people die from an undiagnosed heart condition each week and for almost 30 years, CRY has been working to reduce young sudden cardiac deaths (YSCD) through increasing awareness, screening and research.
The charity makes available subsidised ultrasound scans and electrocardiogram tests to any young person who is aged between 14 and 35.
MSP staff member, David Hill tragically lost his life at the age of 30 from an undiagnosed heart condition during a rugby match between teams from the Scottish and Irish Parliaments in Dublin last year.
David’s parents, Rodger Hill and Sharon Duncan have been campaigning to raise awareness and the need for there to be screening for more young people.
Rodger and Sharon were present to meet with MSP’s at the Scottish Parliament.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw said:
“Across the UK, far too many young people are losing their lives to undiagnosed cardiac conditions.
“The campaigning of Cardiac Risk in the Young is a cause that large numbers of MSP’s and parliamentary staff members passionately support.
“David Hill was not only an exemplary employee but he was a remarkably kind and thoughtful human being.
“David was hugely respected and held in very high regard by all of us at parliament who had the privilege to know him and his passing at such a young age was a moment of great sadness.
“In my position as MSP for Eastwood, I pledge to support a National Strategy for the Prevention of Young Sudden Cardiac Deaths and to help save young lives.”