THE family of Julian Wort, who died in March 2000 from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), are on the cusp of raising £50,000 in his memory.
So far, the family has raised £47,497, which has been used to purchase and donate two ECG machines and two defibrillators to local hospitals, and organise four Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) heart screening sessions, enabling 369 young people to be screened for hidden heart problems.
Plans for a fifth heart screening session last year in March, which would have marked what would have been Julian’s 50th birthday, were postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic; as were plans for further fundraising.
But as lockdown restrictions are eased, the Wort family are hoping to reschedule the heart screening session and resume fundraising again.
Julian’s parents, Shirley and Dave, told Frome Times, “We were so disappointed that last year’s session was cancelled, but even more so this year, as Julian would have been 50 on March 22nd.
“As many of you know, we started our fundraising in 2001, and so far in the last 20 years, with the wonderful support from family, friends, groups and organisations, we have raised £47,497, in Julian’s memory.
“Of course we would have loved to have reached the £50,000 milestone amount, but sadly with no fundraising activities in 2020, this hasn’t been possible. But as soon as screenings are allowed again and we have a date, we will of course let everyone know, and hopefully do some more fundraising as the Memorial Fund is still open.”
To donate to the Julian Wort Memorial Fund, please visit: www.c-r-y.org.uk/julian-wort
