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Cardiac Disease (Young People)

The hon. Lady raises the issue constantly as though we were not considering it. Of course, everybody is concerned about the reports that professional bodies, such as the Royal College of Nursing, bring to the table, but I think that she would agree that, at this time, all the specialist nurses in the country are being used as effectively as they can. That trend is only growing, and I am sure that she would want to represent it positively. Parents of physically active children might want them to undergo a clinical test, having weighed up carefully the pros and cons associated with such an action. If the family decide that they want to have a personal test carried out, CRY can offer that service, for a small fee, along with all the necessary information and support. This country has about 6 million footballers, ranging from those who have a kick about—one with whom I live was having one this morning—at the weekend to professionals. I was delighted to be part of the recent launch of an initiative promoted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and hon. Members referred to the reception held recently in Downing street. It is imperative that we work in partnership with a number of organisations, including CRY and national football organisations, to promote awareness of such conditions. The initiative also raises awareness of the excellent services that CRY offers, giving people the choice of personal testing if they wish to exercise that choice. In conclusion, we heard the statistics for young people and their families: we are told that eight young people die every week, which is such a tragedy. The heartache of all concerned is well-recognised by hon. Members here and those of the all-party group on cardiac risk in the young. We have a long way to go in the development of services, but I believe that, in the spirit of the all-party group, we have made progress, as has been mentioned by most hon. Members today. For those at risk of an inherited cardiac condition, we need to do, and have done, so much. We must thank stakeholders more widely and recognise the way in which everyone has worked together. My hon. Friend the Member for North Durham mentioned the Olympics being used to raise awareness, which is a very positive initiative that we should consider further.