Politicians and music stars back schoolgirl’s health campaign

A Tayside schoolgirl has shown her heart is in the right place after convincing politicians and music stars to back a health campaign.

Abby Lang, head girl and school champion at Harris Academy in Dundee, is studying towards a science baccalaureate – which involves a personal project.

The 17-year-old decided to launch a campaign to have routine cardiac screening in Scottish secondary schools.

Abby met Joe Fitz-Patrick MSP and Chris Law MP in Dundee City Square, where they pledged to support a national strategy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in young people.

The View singer Kyle Falconer has also pledged his support. Abby was also due to meet Health Secretary Shona Robison.

The teenager said she was inspired to take on the project after she attended a CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) screening, and after hearing the story of Dundee footballer Pete McAvoy, who died in America three years ago from an undiagnosed heart condition.

She also said it was a “fitting tribute” to her fellow Harris Academy pupil Yusuf Abubaker – a 12-year-old who died after suffering from sudden cardiac arrhythmia 10 years ago.

She said: “We want the Government to fund a heart screening project in schools and research to prevent any examples of sudden cardiac death in young people.”

Mr Law, Dundee West MP, said: “I think it is fantastic that Abby has done this – especially because it isn’t just for her, it is for all young people. I am looking forward to hearing the views of medical experts with a view of instituting something bespoke for Scotland.”