Family of Hayfield teenager who died in his sleep steps out for charity walk

Sarah Craig joined around 250 people at the CRY Heart of Durham Walk on October 6, helping to support the charity’s ongoing mission to prevent young sudden cardiac death and to support those affected by the devastating tragedies.

Sarah first became involved with the charity following the sudden death of her son, Charlie Craig, from an undiagnosed heart condition in January 2017.

The 15-year-old, from Hayfield, was a rider with British Cycling’s Rider Route apprenticeship scheme and his father Nick had been a professional cyclo-cross champion.

Since launching in 2010, the 8k walk has raised over £65,000 – with funds supporting a range of CRY-funded initiatives including research, expert screening and bereavement support.

Dr Steven Cox, chief executive of CRY, said: “The people of Durham and the North East have always been so supportive in helping us to spread the word about CRY’s important work in the prevention of young sudden cardiac death – and this year was no exception.”

Every week in the UK, at least 12 people aged 35 and under die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80 per cent of cases, there will have been no warning signs or symptoms.

CRY’s pioneering screening programme now tests around 27,000 young people aged 14 to 35 every year.