A profound outpouring of local support has seen over £11,500 raised in a heartfelt tribute to Toby Chenery, a 23-year-old footballer whose sudden passing deeply affected his community. This remarkable fundraising effort aims to support vital cardiac health initiatives, turning tragedy into a powerful force for preventative action against sudden cardiac death.
Toby Chenery, a familiar and cherished figure in Halesworth, was a dedicated footballer who proudly represented Halesworth Town Football Club. His love for the game extended to playing alongside his older brother Adam and their father, Trevor Chenery, creating enduring memories on the pitch and cementing his place within the town’s vibrant sporting fabric.
In the wake of his untimely death in February, Toby’s family established a memorial fundraising page for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), setting an initial goal of £10,500. The overwhelming response from friends, family, and strangers alike quickly saw this target not only met but surpassed, demonstrating the profound impact Toby had on those around him and the community’s collective desire to honor his memory.
The chosen beneficiary, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), is a distinguished charity established in 1995. Its core mission is to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths (YSCD) by raising awareness, facilitating cardiac screenings, and funding essential research. CRY provides crucial support to families bereaved by these tragic events, advocating for proactive health measures to safeguard young lives.
The funds so generously contributed to Toby’s Memorial Fund are earmarked for a crucial cause: financing a cardiac screening event right in Halesworth. This initiative directly addresses the mission of CRY by bringing preventative health services directly to the heart of the community, offering a vital opportunity for early detection of undiagnosed heart conditions in young people.
The Halesworth centre trustees have graciously agreed to host this inaugural CRY screening event, with plans firmly in place for it to be held early in 2026. This collaborative effort ensures that the money raised will directly translate into tangible health benefits, providing accessible and potentially life-saving screenings for local residents.
Such cardiac screenings are paramount in identifying individuals at risk of sudden cardiac death, often before symptoms manifest. By supporting CRY’s work, the Halesworth community is not only paying tribute to Toby’s life but also actively contributing to a broader effort to prevent similar tragedies, fostering a legacy of health and awareness for future generations.
The inspiring dedication of Toby’s family, coupled with the incredible generosity of the public, underscores the powerful impact a community can have when united by a common, compassionate cause. This collective endeavor transforms personal grief into a profound commitment to public health, ensuring Toby’s memory serves as a beacon for vital cardiac screening initiatives.
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