Grieving
Steph Hunter
Alison Cox MBE, CRY Founder
Grief Booklets
A Sibling’s Grief
A Father’s Grief
Young Sudden Cardiac Death: A Father’s Grief
A Partner’s Grief
A Mother’s Grief
Young Sudden Cardiac Death: A Mother’s Grief
CRY was founded in 1995 to help families affected by a young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) and young people suddenly diagnosed with a life-threatening condition.
Sudden death syndrome is an umbrella term used to describe the many different causes of cardiac arrest in young people (aged 35 and under). These include cardiomyopathies, coronary artery anomalies, ion channelopathies (such as long QT or Brugada syndrome), myocarditis, Marfan's syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). The exact prevalence for many of these conditions is still not known. Most are due to hereditary disorders, 80% of young sudden cardiac deaths have no prior symptoms
CRY’s Bereavement Support Programme has been developed to help people with their grief following the unaccountable sudden death from one of these conditions of an apparently fit and healthy young child, sibling, relative or friend. CRY provides emotional support through a network of volunteers who have suffered the sudden death of a child, sibling or partner in this way. These volunteers have two years training, so that they can help others come to terms with their tragedies.
Hundreds of people have contacted CRY wondering if there are others who they could talk to, who have suffered similarly. No matter how much professional support is offered (either medical or therapeutic), sometimes just talking to someone who has been through such an experience helps the most Telephone bereavement support is available to anyone over the age of 18 who has been affected by a young sudden cardiac death
The support offered with CRY's Bereavement Supporters is for up to six months, however there is no pressure or obligation. Some people find they would just like a few calls, whilst others would like to talk to their Bereavement Supporter for the entire six-month period.
CRY offers group support for family and friends following a young sudden cardiac death in various methods; Annual walks in London and in Durham, giving families the opportunity to come together to remember young people who have died suddenly; and online support via Facebook groups, where people (18+) can connect and share experiences Some of CRY’s volunteer Representatives have also set up their own Walk & Talk groups
Our largest annual event is CRY’s Heart of London Bridges Walk The walk is for bereaved families and supporters to raise awareness and funds for CRY, whilst remembering the young people who have died from sudden death syndrome.
For more information, or if you would like to speak to the Bereavement Support Team, please contact us on 01737 363222 or email cry@c-r-y.org.uk
Bereavement Shock
Coroner
