DEAN HEADLEY TO BAT FOR HEART CHARITY

Kent and England test cricketer, Dean Headley has pledged his support to the heart disease charity dealing with the number one cause of sudden heart death in the under 25s.

Dean says that although he only recently became aware of Cardiomyopathy, and the fact that it affects over 200,000 people in the UK, it was publicity on the risk to young athletes in particular that caught his attention.

He is just one of a growing band of sporting personalities who are adding their voices to the Cardiomyopathy Association�s life-saving campaign following the deaths of a marathon runner, an Olympic standard swimmer and a Scottish first division footballer.

Dean Headley said:� �Through talking with the Cardiomyopathy Association I have realised that having this condition needn�t mean a dearth sentence, however, which is why I want to help press the Government for action on an automatic right to screening for athletic youngsters, and those in at-risk groups�.

Dean Headley is to establish an annual Celebrity Golf Day at the prestigious Effingham Golf Club near Guildford on Thursday 28^th September 2000.� The day is open to any keen golfer and companies will be encouraged to bring teams.� In addition to a round of golf, there will be a celebrity dinner with guest speaker and an auction of special items.� Already, those who plan to play are Gabby Yorath, whose 15 year old brother Daniel tragically died from Hypertrophy Cardiomyopathy whilst playing football with their father Terry; Sky Sport�s Kirsty Gallacher and her father, Bernard; The Wheel of Fortune�s John Leslie; Kenny Dalglish; Rodney Marsh; Clive Allen; Kenny Logan (Wasps); Alan McInally; and top celebrities.

Commenting on Dean Headley�s decision, the Cardiomyopathy Associations Chief Executive, Gordon Rae, said: �Dean�s involvement will prove invaluable to us in terms of raising the profile of the charity and increasing knowledge about this disease.� It comes at a time when we are launching a number of initiatives to raise awareness amongst those involved with youth sports�.

Dean Headley said: �I am an athlete who has always been fortunate to enjoy good health � but I can well understand how concerning it must be for parents who suspect their child has symptoms of Cardiomyopathy such as unexplained breathlessness or a sudden drop in performance.� Also, the condition all too often goes unrecognised until, sadly, it may be too late.� If, by helping the Cardiomyopathy Association to increase awareness, we help in some way, then that would be great.�

Amongst its youth activities, The Cardiomyophathy Association is launching a new booklet.� �Cardiomyopathy: Safe Exercise Guidelines for Parents, Teachers and Sports Coaches� which is free on receipt of an SAE and provides simple advice for schools, colleges and sports coaches.� The booklet carries an introduction by the Television Sports Presenter of the Year, Gabby Yorath.

Those concerned about the condition can call Freephone 0800 0181024 or see the website: www.cardiomyopathy.org. �Anyone wanting to form a team to play at the Dean Headley Golf Day in aid of The Cardiomyopathy Association should contact:� RAM Sports Management Ltd on 02 8400 5544.