Eminent world experts on heart problems are heading to London for a unique summit at the invitation of a brave Brentwood mother.
Anne Jolly, whose 16-year-old son tragically died suddenly in his sleep, has shown indomitable spirit by organising the first international conference of sudden cardiac death in the young.
The two-day event at the Royal College of Physicians in Regents Park on October 12 and 13 will be a loving tribute to the St Martin's School pupil who died in May 1998.
The devastated mother, who through the Ashley Jolly Sudden Adult Death Trust, has led a tireless campaign for the screening of all teenagers for heart defects, said: "I have been spurred on to do this because of Ashley. Before his death I would never have believed I would have been able capable of this."
The conference will have two agendas running in parallel. There will be a programme for families and the general public who have been affected or have an interest in sudden death from heart arrhythmias. There will also be a summit for medical professionals providing in-depth medical information from leading heart experts.
Anne herself will help to run a workshop on bereavement support and introduce speakers who include Professor Michael Vincent from Salt Lake City, Utah and plus consultants from Britain's centre of cardiac excellence.
Anne, 47, of Rowhedge, said: "We have received such good feedback from families and doctors who believe this conference is long overdue and from doctors who feel that sharing knowledge and information will strengthen expertise."
Ashley appeared to be fit and healthy when he suddenly died in his sleep. Though his death was initially diagnosed as asthma, his parents became convinced he was a victim of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
Research indicates that many SADS victims may have inherited undiagnosed structural heart problems or have abnormalities with the heart's electrical system.
Anyone who would like further information on the conference should call Anne Jolly on 01277 230642
Published Wednesday August 28, 2002
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