A Millport family are hoping that the island’s fundraising efforts over the past three years have helped save young lives from cardiac arrest after the sudden death of Steven Blair in 2012.

It was three years on Wednesday 11 February since Stephen, aged only 31, died of a heart attack after a night out with friends on the Isle of Cumbrae. Since that sad day, the community have rallied round the Blair family and have carried out a range of fundraising activites on the island in his memory, to raise funds for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the charity which aims to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death by working with cardiologists and family doctors to establish good practice and protect the cardiac health of our young.

Steven’s mum, Susan said: “We have now raised a total of £20,000 and we have helped make a difference to young people’s lives. We have had a fantastic response from the community and we are very grateful, having arranged an annual fundraiser 10 S’miles for Steven event on the island every August.

“Friends and family walk, cycle or run around the Isle of Cumbrae - the island Steven lived on and for - raising money for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). 10 miles of smiles for the man who always had a smile for everyone. Last year, Bank of Scotland staff from Largs came over for the CRY event.” Steven was a great son, brother, grandson and friend to many on the island, and worked alongside his stepfather Hunter in what was affectionately known as the ‘Burgh squad’ (North Ayrshire Council men) for whom he drove the bin lorry.

Steven’s brother Alan and wife Emma even dressed up specially for the London Marathon to raise the profile of CRY during their fundraising run.

The £20,000 raised by the island goes to the following things: funding the bereavement support service to provide counselling and support to affected families, subsidise and expand CRY’s national screening programme to make cardiac screening available for young people aged between 14-35, and develop ‘myheart’ - a network that provides support, hep and information to young people living with cardiac conditions.

For more details about CRY, go to their website www.c-r-y.org.uk or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CardiacRiskInTheYoung