have also been affected by the condition
A KERRY man, who lost his brother to sudden cardiac death at a young age, is spearheading a new helpline to support other families who experience such devastating losses.
Shane O’Flynn’s brother, Kevin, passed away suddenly in 2015, at the age of 34. In trying to understand what had happened, Shane came across the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) organisation and he is now a trained volunteer for the helpline to support families, like his.
A new freephone helpline to support families in Kerry and elsewhere grieving the loss of someone due to sudden cardiac death has now been set up.
CRY also supports those living with a lifestyle change because of a diagnosis of an inherited cardiac condition.
The organisation creates awareness of sudden cardiac death, inherited cardiac conditions and supports those who have been affected by these conditions through the free access to cardiac assessments, bereavement counselling and family support programmes.
Shane remarked: “It is a privilege to help launch CRY’s freephone service. After losing my brother Kevin, having a listening ear and a team of support was crucial for me in coping with grief.
“I would encourage anyone who might be coping with the loss of someone to sudden cardiac death or inherited cardiac condition, to give CRY a call”.
Lucia Ebbs, CEO of CRY said so many people, including members of their team of trained helpline volunteers, have experienced the loss of a loved one to sudden cardiac death and they truly understand the significance of having a listening ear and team of support when coping with this loss.
“Grief has no limits and it shouldn’t be dealt with alone. If you need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to the CRY helpline,” she said.
The CRY helpline service is available between the hours of 7-9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 12 noon on Wednesdays and 4-6pm on Sundays.
To call the freephone helpline call 1800-714-080. For more information, visit cry.ie
