Woman crosses bridges for charity

10:13am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

A YOUNG woman who suffers from a heart condition was joined by more than 30 family and friends on a charity walk at the weekend.

Caroline Byrne, 21, was one of hundreds who took part in an 8km walk over eight of London's most famous bridges on Sunday to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young.

The Manchester University student became involved with the charity when she and her dad Peter were diagnosed with Brugada Syndrome last year.

The syndrome is a rare hereditary condition that can cause sudden death in undiagnosed patients.

Out of the family who were tested after Peter was diagnosed, Caroline was the only person found to have the syndrome.

Last year Caroline, who lives in Heath End Road, Great Kingshill, was fitted with a implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, which is a small device which can restart' the heart should the rhythm become disturbed.

Each of the bridges which were crossed on the walk represent the eight young people who, on average, die in sudden cardiac deaths each week.

Caroline said: "It was lovely. The weather was perfect and it was a walk along the river which was really nice.

"And it is so important that we raise money and awareness because before my family was affected I knew nothing about heart conditions, which often lay dormant."

The charity was launched 10 years ago and its newest patron in Little Britain comedian David Walliams.

He said: "I know I'm a bit of a fan of extreme sports but you don't have to cross the channel or swim through shark infested waters to help make a difference."