Cardiac Risk in the Young is the Pennine Cricket League's chosen beneficiary from the official Charity Cup launch match

Tom Hardman

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions and the recent sad news of the enforced retirement of England batsman James Taylor because of a serious heart condition has thrust the media spotlight on this devastating condition that affects many young people and often goes undiagnosed until it is too late.

Locally the tragic consequences are known only too well following the sudden death of the talented player Tom Hardman.

Tom, a former pupil at Holy Family RC and CE College, was a gifted batsman and bowler who played for the Lancashire second team as well as Middleton Cricket Club prior to his sudden death aged just 21 in November 2012.

Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD.CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY funds fast track referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals.

The charity’s patrons include a number of sports stars, including the legendary cricketer Sir Ian Botham OBE, who said: “I am delighted to accept the position of Honorary President of CRY’s Centre of Sports Cardiology – the first dedicated Sports Cardiology Unit in the world.

"We want all kids to have heart tests just as they do annually in Italy. Development of the Sports Cardiology Unit is crucial to underpin CRY’s very ambitious screening programme and save young lives. We must stop these terrible tragedies. Youngsters are dying needlessly – we can and must change things.”

Current England cricketer Joe Root is also a patron and said: “I am delighted and honoured to have become a CRY patron as I have been aware of CRY since my friend, Alex Reid, died suddenly of a cardiac arrest in June 2012, when she was only 16. I have supported several CRY fundraising events organised in memory of Alex and want to do whatever I can to help raise awareness of the crucial work CRY do.”

CRY is the Pennine Cricket League's chosen beneficiary from the official Charity Cup launch match of the JW Lees Pennine Cricket League at Milnrow CC on 23 April and the league has set up a JustGiving page to accept donations:

www.justgiving.com/PennineCricket