A borough charity committed to saving people's lives from heart-related illnesses is lobbying for a trial to introduce electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings in schools.
Founder of Restart The Heart, Sarah Jones, and chairman Andrew Luxton met with Bury North MP James Daly to discuss ideas to develop research in the detection of cardiac arrest and preventative measures, particularly involving young people.
Mr Daly backed the charity's plans and arranged a meeting with MP David Johnston OBE, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education, at the Houses of Parliament, which Andrew also attended.
After praising the government for its scheme of provisioning a defibrillator in every state school this year, Andrew asked if it was possible for the government to introduce a trial ECG screening program in schools to help prevent sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) and any other untreated degenerative heart conditions.
The proposals will now be considered by the government.
After the meeting, Andrew said: “Every story we hear, touches us, if screening in children was available and delivered results for positive outcomes it gives the chance to take sensible measures.
“It would also help reveal hereditary heart disease in parents.
“As time passes a larger proportion of the population will have been screened.”
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Sarah added: “I’m extremely grateful for all the support James Daly has shown towards our charity and our ideas.
"Andrew went to London on both of our behalf, and for that, I can’t thank him enough. It shows true dedication towards our goal of saving lives.”
Mr Daly is thankful of the efforts the charity makes across the borough.
He said: “The work that Sarah and Andrew have been doing across our area through Restart The Heart has been truly incredible.
"Ensuring local people have access to lifesaving defibrillators is absolutely critical and the charity makes a real difference.
"When they came to me about SADS I felt it important to raise this with the Minister and I would like to thank the Minister for meeting with us."
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