On Saturday the KCFRT was delighted to finally host a heart screening day in memory of Knutsford resident Mat Hodge. Mat was a loving father and husband who tragically died in 2018 following a cardiac arrest at the young age of 43. Since his death his wife Georgina (George) along with her family and friends have tirelessly fundraised to fund heart screening days with the goal of allowing other families to avoid the loss that George’s family have suffered.
Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. In around 80% of cases of young sudden cardiac deaths, there will have been no signs, symptoms or warnings – underlining the vital role of screening, not routinely offered by the NHS, even to families who have experienced the death of a loved one.
By the end of 2019 George had managed to raise over £10,000, however due to the pandemic the planned heart screening days were unfortunately postponed. Finally on Saturday the long awaited day arrived and alongside members of Knutsford Hockey club, George’s eldest son Jamon was screened.

Having worked toward this day for so long, the day was incredibly emotional for George and also for us!
Since 2019, George has not stopped and the figure raised is now over £20,000! Some of this has been spent on publicly accessible defibrillators and more screening days are planned for 2023. Watch this space!
Find out more about heart screening here: Cardiac Screening