The picturesque village of Hazel Grove, Stockport, was the setting for an unimaginable family tragedy when James Brindley, a fit and healthy 40-year-old father, collapsed and died suddenly while walking home from a pub.
A Family Holiday Turns to Tragedy
What should have been a joyful family visit turned into every relative's worst nightmare. James, described by his devastated family as "the picture of health," had been enjoying an evening out when he suddenly collapsed on the pavement during his short walk home.
His frantic father, Nigel, performed CPR for over twenty minutes while waiting for emergency services to arrive. Despite their desperate efforts and subsequent hospital treatment, James never regained consciousness.
The Mysterious Condition Behind the Tragedy
Medical professionals later identified the cause as Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), a hidden heart condition that can strike without warning, even in apparently healthy individuals.
James's sister, Abby, shared the family's complete shock: "He was the healthiest person we knew. He didn't smoke, barely drank, and was always active. We had no reason to think anything was wrong."
A Legacy of Raising Awareness
In the wake of their devastating loss, James's family has launched a fundraising campaign for the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). Their mission is to prevent similar tragedies through better screening and awareness of hidden heart conditions.
The family's key concerns include:
- Lack of routine heart screening for apparently healthy adults
- Limited public awareness of SADS and similar conditions
- The importance of CPR training for ordinary citizens
- Support for families affected by sudden adult death
A Community in Mourning
James leaves behind his partner, Chloe, and their two-year-old son. The local community has rallied around the family, with fundraising efforts already generating significant support for cardiac research and prevention.
His sister Abby emphasised the importance of their campaign: "If we can save just one family from going through what we've experienced, then James's memory will live on in the most meaningful way possible."
