Our eldest son, Ben, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in October 2022 while visiting family in Perth, Australia. He was at peak fitness, having just completed a season of premiership cricket with Bexley and preparing for six months at the Darren Lehman Cricket Academy. While on a coastal walk with Jackie, he collapsed without warning. Fortunately, Andrew, a trained first aider, began CPR immediately, saving his life. After 72 hours in a coma and extensive cardiac tests, doctors implanted an ICD to protect him from future episodes.

Ben spent 10 days in Joondalup Hospital and remained in Perth for two months, gradually rebuilding his strength. Just six months later, he made an incredible return to premiership cricket and secured a job at his old school while waiting to start university. Determined to help others, he raised funds to screen fellow cricketers—later discovering he had a mild annular disjunction, a rare but manageable heart condition.

Over the last two years, we have organised events, including a 24/7 bike ride and the first CRYket Dinner & Dance, raising £10,000. With CRY’s incredible support and the overwhelming generosity of our friends, family, and cricket community, we are committed to continuing our fundraising and awareness efforts.