FAMILIES in Donegal affected by a sudden cardiac death or living with an inherited cardiac condition are being encouraged to attend a special national event hosted by Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The Friends of CRY Day, taking place in Barberstown Castle, Straffan, Co Kildare, on Saturday, September 13 is a free event that provides an opportunity for families from Donegal to engage with leading voices in cardiology and research, and hear personal stories from people who have been affected by a sudden cardiac death or living with an inherited cardiac condition.

Broadcaster, journalist and author Anton Savage will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, which will also feature a special guest, extreme adventurer Damian Browne, who will share his powerful message on unlocking your true potential.

Elsewhere, the line-up features: Medical Experts: A host of medical specialists, including Professor Andrew Greene, Consultant in Clinical Genetics, CHI, Crumlin; Professor Jens Mogensen, Consultant Cardiologist; Professor Michael Monaghan, Professor in Biomedical Engineering at TCD, the University of Dublin; Dr Terence Prendiville, Consultant Cardiologist, CHI, Crumlin; and Dr Deirdre Ward, Director of the CRYP Centre (Centre for Cardiovascular Risk in Younger Persons), Tallaght University Hospital.

Orla Foley, founder of Orla’s Wild Ways and sister of the late-Ireland and Munster rugby player Anthony Foley, who will talk about how the loss of her brother Anthony at age 42 inspired her to fundraise for a number of charities including CRY Ireland.

Brid Carroll, bereavement psychotherapist and educator, presenting on grief and family support.