A DONEGAL-based charity
is preparing for its second year of fundraising to
raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).
The Caroline Thomas Foundation Trust (CTFT) is
backing calls for a widespread screening programme
following the sudden deaths of three young people in
different parts of the country last week. |
 |
The Finn-Valley based
group launched in Raphoe last September and since
then has purchased ten defibrillators and has helped
around sixty people train in CPR and defibrillator
use.
The charity was founded by family and friends of the
late Caroline Quinn, aged 33 and the late Thomas
Gallagher, aged 16, who both died suddenly as a
result of SADS.
CTFT founder Lorraine McGlinchey said one of the
aims |
of CTFT is to highlight
the signs and symptoms of SADS. It is working on a
leaflet for distribution to young people and will
work with local GPs to bring them up-to-date
information on the condition and make them aware of
all the help groups in Ireland.
Members have also travelled to see the new
heart-screening clinic in Dublin and are currently
preparing to deliver defibrillators and training to
a number of local communities in east Donegal.
“We wouldn’t have been able to have managed that
were it not for the great help we have had from
numerous volunteers and the fantastic support we’ve
had in terms of generous donations," said Lorraine.
If you would like more information on the CTFT or on
Sudden Cardiac Death or would like to help with
fundraising, you can contact Lorraine on 086 3412451
or e-mail her at
carolinethomasft@eircom.net . |
