A CAMPAIGN aimed at preventing the sudden deaths of young adults is being backed by Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham.

The crusade is being pioneered by two Furness women – Lesley Mease and Donna Parker – each of whom lost grown-up children to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in August of 2023.

The duo have been interviewed by the Granada Reports team and Walney-based Ms Mease subsequently met with the MP to discuss the campaign.

Mrs Scrogham said: “I’m grateful for having this important initiative drawn to my attention and will do whatever I can to help Lesley and Donna raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and Cardiac Risk in the Young.

“Losing a child at any age is one of the worst experiences anyone could have, and we can only imagine what these parents must have gone through.

“Their strength in driving this campaign is a credit to them and their desire to ensure other parents do not suffer this awful loss.”

Ms Mease lost her son Wilson Shepherd on August 31, 2023. He was 25 and ran the Keswick-to-Barrow challenge every year to raise funds for MND – a motor neurone charity. There were no symptoms of disease or any warning signs.

Donna Parker lives in Dalton and her daughter Vicky was just 30 when she died on August 17 of the same year – again without any warning signals.

Every week 12 apparently fit and healthy young people aged between 14 and 35 die of undiagnosed cardiac conditions.

Eighty-per-cent of deaths occur without any symptoms. Screening has been shown to lead to an 89 per cent reduction in sudden cardiac mortalities. Cardiac Risk in the Young operates a national screening programme and the organisation believes all young people should have the choice of cardiac testing.

Local boy, Kayan Frith will be shaving his hair on Sunday 12^th January at Industry Gym to raising funds and awareness for the CRY charity, (Cardiac Risk in the Young) , in memory of Wilson Shepherd. Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/3244f5f7

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