Family of tragic SADS victim to stage Wistaston fundraiser

A fundraiser will be held in memory of a young Wistaston woman who died of Sudden Arrhythmic Death (SADS).

‘The Grand Day Out’ is being staged to raise money for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) after the death of Ceri Palmer Howells (pictured).

Parents Alison and Robert and her brother Joel were shattered by the 22-year-old’s sudden death in March last year.

Ceri,  a former Wistaston rose queen who had married her husband James Palmer just nine months earlier, was about to graduate with a First Class Honours Degree in Drama and Theatre Studies.

Now her family are to stage an event a year after she died in a bid to raise awareness and funds for CRY.

Mum Alison said: “We hope as many people as possible will attend the event.

“We would like to honour Ceri’s memory by raising a substantial amount of money to help support vital work CRY is doing.

“We all have the potential to be part of the solution.”

Robert added: “We hope to raise awareness of the condition in the local community.

“When we speak to people about SADS, many have not heard of the condition and to be honest neither had we until it affected our family.

“It is our hope that by sharing our knowledge of the condition and the importance of screening we can help to save other young lives in the future.”

SADS or Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome is a hidden condition and many victims appear to be fit and healthy young people.

It can strike without warning and 80% of people who die often exhibit no obvious symptoms prior to the event.

CRY, funded purely by public donations, is pioneering research and provides a specialist screening programme for young people aged 14-35 years for potential signs of the condition.

“The Grand Day Out” takes place this Saturday March 28, between 10.30am and 5pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, Wistaston.

The event will feature a pamper zone, craft zone, cake paradise, music, stalls, a grand prize draw and a chance to learn more about the vital work of CRY in saving young lives.

Tickets are £5, which includes entry and a cream tea or savoury option.

Tickets are available from St Mary’s Church Office, call 01270 567119, email on [email protected], Ceri’s website www.ceriabigail.org.uk or direct from Robert and Alison Howells on 01270 569327.

Some tickets will also be available on the door.