Gary Middleton speaks of loss of father-in-law to heart attack in month he would have turned 60

Transcript

00:00 In 2021, my father-in-law, Cyril Davis, who was seemingly so fit and healthy,

00:05 sadly died of a massive coronary episode. None of us had seen it coming, and indeed it's been

00:12 a difficult journey for our family getting used to life without him. Sadly, this is a story that

00:18 is all too familiar to many families across Northern Ireland. On this National Heart Month,

00:25 this month which, as a family, would have marked Cyril's 60th birthday, I am asking all of my

00:30 fellow Members and people across Northern Ireland to join with me and others in sharing heart health

00:36 messages on their social media, and also to get people talking in terms of their daily conversations.

00:42 The charity Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke are strongly urging people to consider

00:48 their cardiovascular health. Its step-by-step campaign encourages people to take seven steps

00:55 towards a healthier, stronger heart. They are encouraging people to sign up for their online

01:01 health check through their website, increase their steps in physical activity,

01:06 try following a healthy and balanced diet, cut back on alcohol and quit smoking,

01:11 look after their mental health and get enough sleep, and get to know the signs of a heart attack.

01:19 In Stormont Estate, this month there will be a red dress fun run at 11 o'clock here on 25 February.

01:27 I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this event and to encourage their

01:31 families to do likewise. I pay tribute to all those charities that are proactively working

01:36 in the area of heart health—the British Heart Foundation, Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and

01:41 Stroke, Children's Heart Beat Trust and many, many more. By continuing to support these charities

01:47 and raising awareness, your message could indeed save a life and hopefully touch the right person.

01:52 Thank you.