I’ve wondered whether or not to publish this post for some time. It’s about a subject that’s very important to me – and that’s why I’ve hesitated. Let rip in the comments if you will (free speech an’ all) but I’m going to do it anyway. It’s spuriously about travel – but it is important and it can save lives.
Sudden Death in Adults
Broken Heart by CarbonNYC
Death isn’t something that most of us like to think about, particularly when we’re young. Sadly, that doesn’t make any difference. Around 500 young people die every year in Britain for no clear reason from an adult form of “cot death.” Cardiac arrhythmias (strange heartbeat patterns) are thought to cause most of these deaths. I’m not here to frighten you because there are things that you can do.
Number One – Learn CPR.
Learn it, learn it, learn it – and then keep on practising and refreshing your skills. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: it’s most likely to be someone you love who collapses in front of you with a cardiac arrest. Scientific studies show that effective CPR doubles that person’s chance of survival. Please, please, please learn how to do it. If you live in the UK, the British Heart Foundation and St John’s Ambulance run courses. I’m happy to be updated about courses elsewhere.
Number Two – Support a Relevant Charity
Here’s where it gets more personal.
Long term fans of this blog may remember that I wrote a post about visiting the Peak District based on a HAG (combined Bachelor and Bachelorette party) that I went to for a very close friend of mine.
Suddenly Gone
His name was Leigh Jepson, a wonderfully caring doctor with a searing sense of humour and a great love for the outdoors and travel. He’d cycled across America, climbed Mont Blanc and took disabled children skiing. He also worked umpteen antisocial hours a week in his local Emergency Department and had entered into the Paris Marathon the previous day.
He died without warning on September 21st. Aged 32. Now a group of his (far more unfit) friends plan to run the Paris Marathon in his honour, to raise money for charities that suit both his life and death.
How You Can Help
Floating Heart - By Nganguyen
Floating Heart - By Nganguyen
1) Learn CPR– Please.Learn it, learn it, learn it. There really is no excuse – and no substitute.
2) Share this blog post
– tweet it, facebook it, link to it, email it, please just spread the word.
3) If you’d like to make a donation
– please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RunningForLeigh. Anything you give will be greatly appreciated and will help.
If you’ve read this far – thank you.
I know how precious your time is and how many good causes crowd in on you all the time. If you can’t afford to donate and you don’t want to forward this post, please at least consider learning how to do CPR.
Thanks for reading, folks.
Read the postscript to this blog post here.
Hi Abi,
I’m sorry to learn about the loss of your friend. I’ve never really given much thought to learning CPR. I see now that it is important and that it’s a skill everyone should learn.
You can count on my support.
Cheers & big hugs,
Keith
Thank you so much, Keith. I really appreciate it – it was an incredibly difficult post for me to write.
Hi Abi! I’m sure this was a hard post for you to write and I applaud you for having the courage to post it. Thank you for educating us and I’m truly sorry for the loss of your friend.
HI Abi,
May God help you through this difficult time.
Thank you
You’re right, Abi. This is a very important post. Important to you and wonderful that you’re sharing it with the world.
Thank you Leigh for taking the time to leave such a supportive message.
As an emergency department nurse, I understand the importance of knowing CPR. I’ve seen it save many lives. I also understand “suddenly gone.” My 40-year old brother collapsed in the gym after a massive heart attack 1 year ago. I feel for you in the loss of your friend. Thank you for your help in educating the public on this important topic.
Oh Lorraine, I am so sorry to hear about your brother – and thank you so much for your encouragement here.
Abi,
Thanks for your article, I worked with Leigh in A&E, and unfortunately was on duty on that awful day when he was brought in, everyone tried so so hard but unfortunately it was just too late! Leigh was an amazing person to work with, he had such dedication to his work & was just such a genuinely, nice guy, I miss him a lot!!
Take care,
Sarah x
Thank you, Sarah, for your comment and for working so hard both on that day and every other in A&E. Such a great loss…
I’m sorry for your loss Abi. I just found this post through the Via Ferrata post!
As Keith I never thought a lot about CPR but after some tragic events in our family this year I think it is about time that I start learning about it!
Sounds like Leigh was a great person. It’s a tragical loss when people like him leave all of a sudden.
All the best!
S.