In celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14th, renowned artist Joe Caslin has joined forces with CRY Ireland (Cardiac Risk in the Young) following his recent experience of a cardiac condition, and will be giving away one of his fine art prints to raise awareness of cardiac conditions.
The print, titled ‘Ar Scáth a Chéile’, is a limited edition with only fifty copies in circulation.
CRY Ireland is an Irish charity that supports families in the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland who have lost loved ones to Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) and helps those who have been affected by a diagnosis of a cardiac condition.
The charity also facilitates free access to cardiac assessments, counselling and family support programmes, as well as providing a freephone helpline service.
This Valentine's Day, CRY Ireland and Joe Caslin are encouraging the public to think about the importance of heart health, and to spread awareness of cardiac conditions.
Noelle Condon, Chairperson of CRY said: “CRY Ireland is teaming up with Joe Caslin this year to help us spread awareness and encourage the public to get involved in our mission to save young lives from Sudden Cardiac Death.
"It’s estimated that up to 80 people under the age of 35 die in Ireland each year to Sudden Cardiac Death, with many others affected by the diagnosis of a cardiac condition.
“By supporting us, you can help us to raise awareness and vital funds, while also making a difference to the lives of young people across Ireland. So this Valentine's Day, let's show our love for those who are at risk of sudden cardiac death and help us to save young lives.”
PROVIDING CRUCIAL SERVICE
Artist Joe Caslin also commented: “In the weeks before my diagnosis I knew something was wrong. I was having heart palpitations, chest pain and short blackouts. Confidence in my body had gone and I could not trust myself to safely get into a cherry picker and install any new work.
"Even then I continued to shrug it off as something that would pass until a close friend stepped in and told me to call my GP urgently.
"I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome – a heart condition that makes your heartbeat abnormally fast. Unfortunately, in the subsequent months I developed a very uncoordinated and dangerous heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.
“After undergoing heart surgery, I am now healthy and back to doing the things I love the most. The work that CRY Ireland does to help support people just like me with a cardiac condition provides a crucial service to the public, while also preventing loss of life.
"I am donating this piece of art to raise much needed awareness for CRY Ireland and their important work in supporting people with heart conditions and their families.”
ENTRY
To be in with a chance of winning the print by Joe Caslin, visit CRY Ireland on Instagram for further details: www.instagram.com/cryireland.
The winner will be contacted directly by CRY Ireland. For more information on CRY Ireland or to donate directly, please visit: www.cry.ie
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