Families Unite to Raise Cardiac Risk Awareness in Wolverhampton

The recent event at The Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton attracted significant attention as Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) held a screening day aimed at promoting cardiac health awareness among young people. On Saturday, over 100 individuals aged between 14 and 35 participated in screenings to assess their cardiac health, with referrals made for further tests when necessary.

Since its inception in 2013, CRY has organized 13 screening days across various venues in Wolverhampton, leading to more than 1,300 young people screened and over 80 referrals for additional medical evaluations. This initiative is especially poignant for the Nagra family, who have been vocal advocates for cardiac health awareness following the tragic loss of their son and brother, Pardeep Nagra, at the age of 26 in April 2008.

The Nagra family, including mother Reshan, father Dalbag, and brother Kulbir, attended the screening day to share their story and raise awareness about the importance of cardiac screening. Kulbir highlighted their commitment to community service, stating, “Since we lost my brother in 2008, we’ve done numerous fundraising events, totaling over £100,000 to date. This funding helps us organize events like this at the Youth Zone.”

The screenings were designed to detect potential cardiac issues, including arrhythmia abnormalities. Kulbir acknowledged the urgency of publicizing these screenings, pointing out the number of young athletes who have suffered from undiagnosed heart conditions. “We’ve heard of many cases over the years, including several footballers and rugby players. That’s why we need to increase awareness about this charity,” he said.

The Nagra family’s motivation stems from their personal loss. Kulbir remarked, “Charity becomes more personal when you lose someone close to you. At the time, we were not aware of CRY, but after our tragedy, we decided to ensure that no other family suffers the same fate.” He emphasized that prevention is essential, stating, “It was devastating for us, and no one should have to go through this.”

Also present at the event was Sureena Brackenridge, the Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton North East. She expressed her admiration for the Nagra family’s dedication and the importance of the work being done. “I spoke to the family previously and heard their heartbreaking story about Pardeep’s passing. It highlights the reality that many people have undiagnosed heart conditions, and too many find out too late,” she said.

Brackenridge noted the diverse attendance at the event, saying, “It’s encouraging to see people from different ages and backgrounds coming in for important health checks.”

The Way Youth Zone has been a consistent venue for CRY screening events. Sarah Cornaby, a receptionist and data lead at the centre, shared her personal experience with the screenings. She participated in a screening in 2016 and discovered an unexpected heart condition. “It was shocking at the time, but I don’t feel it affects me currently,” she explained. “My daughter also came and fortunately found out she doesn’t have a heart condition. The work being done here is crucial as it brings many people into our centre and supports them.”

The ongoing efforts by the Nagra family and CRY reflect a community-driven approach to tackling the often-overlooked issue of cardiac health among young people. As they continue to advocate for awareness and prevention, their story serves as both a reminder and a call to action for families everywhere.