Chichester Observer, 30th June 2019
At 13, following a football match, George Ashby went to his mother’s surgery and had an impromptu heart test. His mother, Amelia, discovered a ‘massive murmur’ and he was diagnosed with a potentially fatal heart disease. Thus he was able to receive the life saving surgery he urgently needed. Now, 16 year old George and his mother have cycled 73 miles around the Isle of Wight in the hope of saving the lives of other young people with undiagnosed heart conditions. “It was a really good experience,” said Amelia. “It was hard work. People recognised us and were cheering us on. It should have been 66 miles but we got lost and did an extra seven. It took about seven hours of cycling.” George added: “We had a lot more help than we were expecting. It was really hilly but it was an amazing experience.”
George and Amelia aimed to raise £2,500 but have ended up raising £3,267. These funds are to be donated to charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and go towards their heart screening events for young people ages 14-35. “It shows that people do care,” said George. “When it happens to you, you realise it is a serious problem. I hope that I have made a difference and perhaps saved someone’s life.” Before he set off on his ride on the 21st of June he said : “I want to increase awareness because every week, 12 young people die from some undiagnosed heart disease. I am incredibly grateful to be here today and now I want to help other people live through their undiagnosed heart condition.” Link no longer available
