Brentford FC Community Sports Trust to host heart screening at Brentford Sports FEST

As part of its Brentford Sports FEST event, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust will offer a special heart screening service at Syon Park on Sunday 12 May. In partnership with the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), the screening has been established in memory of Brentford FC Sporting Director Robert Rowan, whose life was tragically cut short in November 2018 when he suffered a fatal cardiomyopathy episode at only 28 years of age.

The heart screening is part of Brentford Spots FEST, which offers a number of sporting activities for the local community at the iconic Syon Park.

Rob’s wife, Suzanne Rowan, said: “Rob’s family and I would like to thank the Brentford FC community for all their support in memory of Rob. Without them, our ongoing funding for screenings just wouldn't be possible. We are proud to be making an impact on lives of young people and playing a part in helping to prevent other families from experiencing the same devastating grief as we have.”

Every week, 12 apparently fit and healthy young (aged 35 and under) people lose their lives to sudden cardiac death in the UK - a statistic that is believed to be a conservative estimate. A staggering 80% of these apparently healthy young people who die from young sudden cardiac death will have shown no previous sign of heart defects until it is too late – which is why CRY believes screening is so vitally important.

An ECG test is a simple way to identify the vast majority of abnormalities that can cause sudden deaths in young people. The test is quick, non-invasive and, if necessary, a further Echocardiogram can be taken on the same day to provide further clarity or reassurance.

Chief Executive of CRY, Dr. Steven Cox, said: “The death of a young person is heart-breaking and devastating for any family. It is therefore essential that anyone with a potentially fatal heart condition knows about it. Without this knowledge and the appropriate treatment, they could be putting their lives at risk as in 80% of cases there are no signs or symptoms. Sport itself does not actually cause sudden cardiac death but it can significantly increase a young person’s risk if they have an underlying condition. However, research carried out by CRY has also shown that a large number of these deaths will also occur when a young person is at rest or even sleeping.”

“Although screening will not identify all those at risk, in Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport, the incidence of young sudden cardiac death has decreased by 90%.”

Run in partnership with Brentford Lock West, Brentford Sports FEST aims to bring sport to the heart of the local community.

Residents of all ages and abilities can take part in a 10k run, 5k run, 3k run, primary schools challenge and 5k Walk and Talk (in association with West London Mental Health Trust).

For water lovers, local residents can take part in an exciting paddleboarding lesson at Brentford Lock. Plus, yoga, Pilates, frisbee golf, rowing and an exciting cricket stimulator can be sampled at our vibrant health and fitness village.

To book your heart screening visit http://www.testmyheart.org.uk/private/ and use the password HSP2019.