Evelyn Tweed MSP leads debate in Holyrood on heart condition
MSP for Stirling, Evelyn Tweed, led a debate in the Scottish Parliament, celebrating the fundraising efforts of the Ferrier family, and raising awareness of cardiomyopathy.
The Ferriers, from Doune, tragically lost their son to cardiomyopathy in 2008. He was 16 years old, a tall, happy young man. He played shinty and had just taken up rugby. With hopes of becoming a motor mechanic, he had his whole life ahead of him. Callum went to bed with a sore head. He was found the next day by his father, having passed away in the night. His tragic and untimely death devastated his mother, father, and three brothers. Callum had cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the shape of his heart
The Ferrier family have gone on to fundraise over £30,000 for Cardiomyopathy UK, the national charity for those with cardiomyopathy. Through ceilidhs, treks all over the world, skydives and concerts, Calum’s family are honouring his legacy and raising awareness. This charity is working to extend their offering in Scotland, but they need volunteers to develop peer groups and provide advocacy.
At least 1 in 250 people in the UK have cardiomyopathy, but for many it remains undiagnosed. Young, active, and a keen rugby player, Callum’s story is sadly not unique. According to the British Heart Foundation, at least 12 people under 35 in the UK die from an undiagnosed heart condition every week. Cardiomyopathy is a group of conditions; the various forms affect the heart in different ways.. These conditions have a range of causes, but in many cases, they are genetic and they can all reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body, and can lead to heart failure.
Evelyn Tweed MSP met with Callum’s mum Morag to discuss the debate and their hopes for what can be achieved next. They discussed the issues around screening, including parts of the world where all young people are screened before they take part in sport.
Commenting, Evelyn Tweed MSP said
‘I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Ferrier family to personally congratulate them on their successful fundraising, and to discuss the future. We talked extensively about screenings, which are vital as there are no signs or symptoms in 80% of cases of cardiomyopathy. Screening in the UK is limited, being offered to those with symptoms on the NHS but those without symptoms rely on charities working in this area. I am committed to continuing to raise this issue in the parliament, and in my role on the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, and to work towards more widespread screening.
“I am grateful, and I know the Ferrier family are too, for the interest and engagement on this debate, and I look forward to a future where cardiomyopathy is diagnosed and treated for as many young people as possible.
Commenting, Morag Ferrier said:
“It was a great pleasure to meet Evelyn Tweed MSP. We met after her recent debate in the Scottish Parliament on Cardiomyopathy. Evelyn has been very supportive of this cause which is dear to our hearts. To move the cause forward and possibly have some sort of support in Scotland, for the benefit of sufferers would be our dream. Evelyn has encouraged us with her support.
“Our next fundraising event is Callum’s Ceilidh. Past Ceilidhs have been successful and enjoyable.
Callum’s Ceilidh will be held on 18th March at 7:30 in Victoria Hall, Dunblane. Tickets are available from Morag on 07909564963 and Neil on 077868672225
Anyone interested in volunteering for Cardiomyopathy UK in Scotland can find out more here: https://www.cardiomyopathy.org/westscotland
