Bereaved mum's award for helping others

A retired teacher who has supported bereaved families since the sudden death of her own son has scooped a national award.
Ruth Lowe, 60, receives award for her work with CRY.Ruth Lowe, 60, receives award for her work with CRY.
Ruth Lowe, 60, receives award for her work with CRY.

Ruth Lowe, 60, from Woodplumpton, near Preston, travelled to Westminster to receive a Points of Light award in recognition of her services to the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

The scheme recognises people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

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Ruth, who was presented her award by MP Ben Wallace, first became involved with CRY following the tragic death of her only son, Andrew, 21, in April 2004 from a previously undiagnosed heart condition.

Every week 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die from a previously undiagnosed cardiac problem.

After Andrew’s death, she read an article highlighting CRYs work and began raising awareness of the charity in a bid to prevent other families going throuhg similar ordeal.

She trained to become a bereavement supporter and facilitated the formation of a fund-raising and support group in Preston where families meet and help to raise funds. They have raised over £118,000 to help fund local cardiac screening events for young people.

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She said: “To receive the Points of Light Award is both humbling and encouraging. However, the greatest reward is to know that young lives are being saved.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Having so sadly lost her own son, Andrew, Ruth has shown incredible determination in trying to prevent such a tragedy happening to others.”