200 people turn out for special heart tests after sudden death of 14-year-old girl

More than 200 people turned out for ECG screening tests after a 14-year-old girl died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Mar 2017, 13:00 BST
Updated 8th Apr 2017, 22:30 BST
Bethany Mycroft's mum and dad, Robert and Dawn and brother Tom who welcomed youngsters to the Springs Health Centre in Clowne on Saturday for ECG screening from CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).Bethany Mycroft's mum and dad, Robert and Dawn and brother Tom who welcomed youngsters to the Springs Health Centre in Clowne on Saturday for ECG screening from CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).
Bethany Mycroft's mum and dad, Robert and Dawn and brother Tom who welcomed youngsters to the Springs Health Centre in Clowne on Saturday for ECG screening from CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

Bethany Mycroft, of Low Road, Clowne, died in March 2015.

Following her death, her family - including her mum Dawn - were found to have a condition called brugada syndrome, which affects the electrical signals to the heart and in certain circumstances can cause it to stop with no warning.

Her family has since raised almost £40,000 on behalf of a charity called C-R-Y (Cardiac Risk in the Young) which will be used to organise ECG screening events for people aged between 14 and 35.

Bethany Mycroft.Bethany Mycroft.
Bethany Mycroft.
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Last weekend, the first ECG screenings organised by Bethany’s family and C-R-Y were held at the Springs Health Centre in Clowne for people to come along and get themselves tested.

Bethany’s uncle, Adrian Topp, 46, said: “It went exceptionally well. We saw a total of about 217 people which is one of the best responses C-R-Y has had.

“We believe that about seven or eight people have been referred for further investigation. This means that about 200 people now know that they have no problem.”

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by the heart each time it beats.

Bethany Mycroft.Bethany Mycroft.
Bethany Mycroft.
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ECG events are run by C-R-Y and cost £50 to screen each person. The entire cost is met by the money raised so there is no cost to the individual.

The results of the ECG are reviewed by an on-site cardiologist and if necessary a person will be referred to their GP for further tests.

Adrian said: “We raised just over £1,400 over the weekend, which will go towards more screening events.

“We raised the money over the weekend through cake sales, flowers, plants and other donations.

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“That money puts our total since August 2015 to more than £41,000.

“We have got three more weekends booked for next year and two for 2019.”

Bethany attended Heritage High School in Clowne and enjoyed singing and dancing.

“She was a friend to many people,” Adrian added.

A Texas-themed BBQ will be held in July as well as a raffle with prizes. To donate a prize, email: [email protected]

n Go to www.facebook.com/bethanymycroftmemorial.

See fundraising at Bethany’s fundraising page