CRY are delighted to announce that as of 18th March 2021 €155,000 has been raised following a Late Late Show appeal in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Last Friday night’s show (12th March 2021) featured Downtown Abbey Star, Allen Leech, Model and Jewellery Designer Emily MacKeogh and Founder of CRY, Marie Greene, speaking about their experience of losing someone to sudden cardiac death. Since then, donations to the charity have surpassed an initial fundraising target of €150,000. These donations will allow CRY to continue providing support services free of charge to families for the next three years.
CRY Ireland’s all-island service includes cardiac screenings and an emotional support programmes to families that have been affected by cardiac conditions or who have lost someone to sudden cardiac death. In Ireland, it is estimated that two people pass away from sudden cardiac death each week.
Lucia Ebbs, CEO of CRY said: “We are overwhelmed with the amount of support we have received over the last week. Since then, we have exceeded our expectations and received over €156,000 to date. This will enable CRY to launch our enhanced Family Support Programme, which offers bereavement support to families all over Ireland, north and south, plunged into grief through the sudden cardiac death of a young member of their family.
“While we have reached our initial goal, further funds raised will go towards improving our services and expanding our team of experts. With lockdown restrictions often leaving families left without the support of their friends and families around them, these bereavement services are needed now more than ever.
“CRY would like to thank every individual who generously donated.”
Actor Allen Leech has been supporting CRY since day one and is now an Ambassador for the charity, which was founded after his childhood friend, Peter Greene passed away from sudden cardiac death at the age of 15. Established in 2002 by Peter’s parents Marie and Michael, CRY’s aim is to support other families that have been affected by sudden cardiac death.
Allen tweeted in recent days: “Thank You so much to everyone who has donated. This has filled my heart and I’m so so grateful for all the warmth and kindness show to CRY Ireland and all those affected.”
Speaking on the show, Emily MacKeogh discussed her fiancé Killian, who passed away from sudden cardiac death at the age of 32, only hours after they moved to Dubai to start a new life together.
Emily said: “The support from my friends, family and the public have been amazing. The services at CRY have been a huge support for myself and Killian’s family and I’m delighted to help spread awareness of CRY. Their services are invaluable to those that have been affected. Grieving should not be dealt with alone and I truly recommend seeking support for those who may need it.”
For more information or to donate please go to CRY.ie
