Birkenhead Park RFC

Fit and healthy 18-39 year old? So was Tim here on his way to the Caldy 7s!

We make no apologies for repeating our invitation for young men and women aged 18-39 to take a heart screening test:-

“I am too young and fit to have a heart attack”

If that were true, young Tim Cogley raised in Heswall from age six, would conceivably be attending a local rugby game today with his dad, Frank.

In reality, 6,000 young people between the ages of 18-39 in our region have taken the Randox/Tim Cogley Foundation test. Screening is for men & women: just short of 4% of men were found to have a risk score of 10+, with one woman having follow-up lifesaving kidney op as a direct result.

Randox are looking for a ‘squad’ of 18 people for it to make it worthwhile for them to set up a mobile examination room here in the club house.

The Tim Cogley Foundation and their medical partners, Randox are not here to scaremonger. Research has shown that a negative led approach to health promotion does not work.

Tim's dad, the tireless Frank Cogley, visited the club and spoke to General Manager, Mark Parry and I on Tuesday this week

"I remember standing in the doorway and holding his hand and saying take care. That was the last time I saw him," said Frank.

Tim was a very fit 34 year old, and on his way to the Caldy 7s when he collapsed.”

Talking about the cardiac health screening, Frank added: "Anyone with a risk score over ten, it flags up that person is at a greater risk of a cardiac event within the next ten years. If we save one life, we know it was worthwhile."

Why 18-39?

Frank explains: “The NHS offers free MOT checks to those 40 and over and we encourage everyone in that age group to take advantage. However, our research shows that problems can be detected much earlier.”

It is best to see the screening as an investment, rather like a pension or property ownership. The difference is that the ‘property’ is beating in your chest.

Convinced? The process involves a fast in order to be effective. Full details are by contacting Keith T at manager@bpfc1871.co.uk in the first instance. We will then pass the names and contact details to Randox and the sessions in the clubhouse can commence asap. Data protection assured.