Members of the Rocal team have stepped up – and out – for a worthy cause.
A group of 27 colleagues from across the business, whose brands include Endurance® Doors, BDC Aluminium and Rocal Extrusions, recently completed a 10-mile sponsored walk on behalf of the Beat Goes On 31 – a locally based community group that fundraises for charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Every week in the UK, 12 young people aged between 14 and 35 – many of whom had previously seemed completely fit and healthy – lose their lives to Young Sudden Cardiac Death (YSCD). It remains the biggest cause of natural death for this age demographic with around 80% of those affected showing no prior symptoms.
CRY aims to reduce young sudden cardiac deaths by increasing awareness, funding medical research, and providing free heart screening such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of the heart). This screening is not currently available to those aged 14 to 35 through the NHS unless they present with potential symptoms.
CRY also supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions as well as individuals and families who have been bereaved as a result of YSCD.
The Beat Goes On 31 was set up in 2021 by husband and wife, Stephen and Gill Ayling. Their son, Nathan tragically passed away from YSCD in 2019, at the age of just 31.
The Rocal team also has first-hand experience of the devasting effects of YSCD. The walk was held in memory of Craig Sunderland, a member of Rocal’s production team who also sadly lost his life to YSCD.
In total, the Rocal Ramblers raised £1,386 through their efforts. This money will be enough to provide heart screening for approximately 25 young people.
Stephen Nadin, managing director at Rocal, comments: “The Rocal Ramblers have done the entire business proud. The money they have raised and the screening it will facilitate has the very real potential to save lives.
“It’s a great effort and cause, and a really fitting tribute to Craig. I know the team would also like me to thank everyone that so kindly supported them.”
