THE TIM COGLEY
CARDIAC SCREENING FOUNDATION
The first of December saw an emotional gathering in the heart of
Heswall. An assembly of family, friends and supporters on what
would have been Tim Cogley’s 36th birthday to remember his life and
celebrate the work of the Foundation set up in his honour following
his early death in 2017.
Tim’s fatal heart attack, triggered by a previously unknown massive
cholesterol blockage of a key artery, has shaken family, his numerous
friends and the local community to the core, and nothing will ever erase
their sense of loss.
Yet from this tragic set of circumstances something powerful and
positive has emerged - the desire to ensure that other families are spared
the heartbreak which has engulfed the Cogley family.
As Tim’s Father, Frank explains, ‘Tim’s life may have been saved if there
had been a systematic screening of his age group, a group currently
and sadly outside the regular coverage of those responsible for offering
preventative medical care. I have spent my life working with and for
young people and we are determined to achieve something positive for
them by offering their families a genuine chance of avoiding our family’s
tragedy and heartache.’
This may seem like a bold statement, but with quiet determination and an
unshakeable sense of purpose Tim’s family and close friends and the local
community have already started to make the dream a reality.
By building a network of highly committed trustees, patrons, volunteer
fundraisers and corporate supporters, The Tim Cogley Cardiac
Screening Foundation has already raised over £19,754, and with the
generous support of global health screening giant, Randox Healthcare,
has recently completed a pilot programme of heart and health screening
for 400 young people aged between 18 – 39 on the Wirral.
As Dr Rachael Syvret, GP Partner at West Wirral Group Practice
commented, “It has been a privilege to be involved with the Tim Cogley
Cardiac Screening Foundation. The work they are doing to raise awareness
of cardiac disease in the 18-39 year olds is highly commendable and the
impact this may have on young people and their lives is potentially huge.
I am extremely proud of what they have achieved so far and long may
their impressive work continue.”
Milestones for the charity have come thick and fast in 2018. The creation
by Revolution Four of a website and MyDonate page, a host of fabulous
fundraising events, earning the support of the local medical community,
and the forging of strong ties with international health screening
provider, Randox.
As the charity’s reputation has grown, the offers of help and support have
snowballed and 2019 is already looking bright. January sees the charity
take part in the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme across Wirral, both Everton
and Tranmere Rovers have pledged their support and a fabulous black-tie
event is starting to take shape.
Along-side the screening and fundraising activities the Foundation aims
to launch an educational programme, which by sharing Tim’s story,
will illustrate the need to be aware of key health indicators (e.g. blood
pressure, cholesterol and glucose concentration) in the hope of ensuring
that more young people are informed about lifestyle choices that can
affect the health of their hearts.
As Tim’s eldest brother, Adam, explains, “It’s all about increasing
awareness and understanding. We all think we’re invincible, especially
when we’re younger, so it’s vital that we educate young people to be aware
of the risks and to think about getting checked out.”
To continue to grow, the Foundation needs your support. Whether
organising a fundraising event, making a donation or simply putting a
token in a slot in Tesco stores, we would love your help.
Find out more: https://www.timcogleyfoundation.com/,
Donate: MyDonate.bt.com thetimcogleycardiacscreeningfoundation
Stay in touch: @TimCogleyFoundation
Email: [email protected]
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