Rotherham Advertiser, 20th September 2019
More than 100 young people had heart screenings at a netball tournament held in memory of Alex Reid, a young girl who lost her life to an undiagnosed heart condition at only 16 years old. Another 96 young people were screened at her father, GP John Reid’s, surgery. Five of the youths screened over this weekend of testing at Sheffield High School and Kiveton Park Medical Practice were referred for further testing.
The school has held an annual netball tournament in Alex’s memory for the 6 years since her death; a fitting tribute according to her mother, Heather. She stated: “Netball was a huge part of Alex’s life. She played to a very high standard, regularly representing both her school and club at county level.It has always seemed so fitting to us hold this tournament in her memory. It’s such a celebration of her life and recognition of the overwhelming and unfaltering support we receive from Sheffield High School, its staff, sports department and the entire school community. This year, we were proud to take it a step further by bringing CRY’s expert screening team to the tournament, testing young people on site.”
Alex’s parents have raised more than £100,000 for the Alex Reid Memorial Fund which both supports Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and a research programme that seeks to uncover how young people with heart conditions can continue to exercise safely. Working together with CRY, over 1000 young people in their local community of Thorpe Salvin have been screened in memory of Alex through her parent’s efforts.
