Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Abby’s CRY campaign wins MPs’ hearts and minds
A CAMPAIGNING teenager has won praise from charity bosses and politicians for her efforts to get MPs and MSPs to support a heart charity for young people.
Harris Academy head girl Abby Lang, 18, was inspired to campaign for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) after attending a screening at her school in memory of Peter McAvoy, a footballer from Dundee who died of an undiagnosed heart condition aged 22.
Her efforts are also in memory of fellow Harris pupil Yusef Abubaker, who also died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition age 12.
So far she has convinced the likes of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Angus MP Kirstene Hair to back calls for a national strategy on the Prevention of Young Sudden Cardiac Death (YSCD).
She will now deliver the ‘Time for Reflection’ speech at the Scottish Parliament on June 19, on the subject of young sudden cardiac death.
Abby, who hopes to study medicine at Dundee University, said: “I am honoured to be nominated to deliver the Time for Reflection speech as previous contributors include the Dalai Lama and the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela.
“I am delighted I can raise awareness of CRY and hope to gain more MP support.”
Dr Steven Cox, CRY chief executive, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Abby for taking such a proactive interest in CRY by helping to raise awareness of young sudden cardiac death.”