Press Release
MP Seeking Financial Support For Arrythmia Sufferers
Coatbridge woman Jennifer McKay suffers from Arrhythmia and recently her parents accompanied her to a Reception in the House of Commons. The purpose of the event was to highlight the plight of sufferers with the condition. An Arrhythmia is a disturbance of the normal rhythm of the heart, which can be quite common. It is estimated that it affects nearly 1 million people. Arrhythmias may occur naturally, or be due to heart disease or other causes, such as a reaction to a medicine.
The umbrella Organisation of Syncope Trust and Reflex anoxic Seizures (STARS) arranged the Reception as families from all over Britain finally met each other for the first time. It is the only known charity that gives support and advice to families who have a member affected by blackouts.
Jennifer McKay suffers from Neuro-cardiogenic Syncope which means that she has blackouts with no warning. The first of which started when she was 13 and after many tests she was eventually diagnosed with this condition. Although in itself it is not directly life threatening, it is life limiting, as Jennifer does not go anywhere on her own, and when she goes out anywhere or joins an organisation or club, then her parents have to make sure that everyone who has contact with her understands and knows what to do if she has a blackout.
In Jennifer’s case her condition is complicated by the fact that she also has Asthma which unfortunately can be life threatening if a blackout triggers an attack.
At the Arrhythmia Alliance Reception Mr. David McKay was presented with a Limited Edition Print by the Red Arrows while attending a Camp in Cyprus with the Air Training Corps. These prints are only given to be used to generate funds for Charity.
Tom Clarke MP said:
“It was a pleasure to meet Jennifer and her parents. I do hope that people with this condition are encouraged by the fact that Jennifer despite her condition gets on with her life. I think her parents have been outstanding in support of their daughter. Without public donations the service that has helped thousands of people since they started as a small support group, would simply not be possible. This organisation is entirely voluntary and therefore need financial support and that is why I am supporting this worthwhile cause”.