Thousands raised in memory of Longridge dad who died suddenly 

Andrew Key died on January 15, 2021, and the cause of his death was found to be sudden arrhythmia death syndrome (SADS), also known as sudden adult death syndrome. 

A community recently came together to raise more than £2,000 in memory of Andrew, who was a much-loved dad-of-one, fiancé and brother.

Andrew Key (Image: Cardiac Risk in the Young People)

Nearly 140 people attended an afternoon tea and their donations raised £2,100 for Andrew Key’s Cardiac Risk in the Young Memorial Fund.

Tickets for the event, held in Longridge’s Civic Hall on April 14, were snapped up quickly and attendees were treated to a selection of finger sandwiches, savoury bites and copious amounts of tea or coffee.

These were followed by a range of sweet treats, with cake stands adorned with mini strawberry meringues, chocolate brownies, lemon drizzle cake, vanilla slices, mini chocolate cookies, raspberry jellies and scones with jam and clotted cream.

The guests were entertained during their meal by local pianist Peter Bennett.

One of those in attendance was Judy Kitching, who came along with her daughter, daughter-in-law and three nieces.

She said: “It’s been an absolutely wonderful afternoon. The food was delicious, the musician was excellent, the volunteers worked so hard and most importantly it’s raised a fantastic amount of money for such a worthy cause.”

In addition to the ticket cost, guests dipped their hands into their pockets on the day and took part in guess the number competition and a raffle.

Fundraising event for Andrew Key at Longridge’s Civic Hall (Image: University of Central Lancashire)

Around 40 volunteers helped on the day, many of whom were family members and friends of Andrew, who died aged 31.

Andrew died just months before he was set to marry his fiancée Danielle Riley.

Speaking to charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young People, she said Andrew’s death came as a shock to her as he was “fit, young and healthy”.

She said: “Andy barely even had a day off sick in his life. After a few weeks, the pathologist report had concluded that Andy had died from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS)

“I had never heard of this condition before and it still shocks me that a healthy person’s heart can just stop beating with no warning signs.”

Andrew leaves behind his son, Arlo.

Fundraising event for Andrew Key at Longridge’s Civic Hall (Image: University of Central Lancashire)

Danielle said: “It’s just not fair that he won’t have his daddy growing up. Thankfully we are surrounded by the most wonderful friends and family and although it will never be the same, I know he will never go without love and support. Andy would be truly proud of each and every one of them.

“I will always be thankful to Andy for making my dreams come true in the time we had together. I don’t know why it had to be him, as he had more to offer this world than most people I know.”

According to the British Heart Foundation, SADS is when someone dies suddenly following a cardiac arrest and no obvious cause can be found.

Sudden arrhythmic death syndrome affects around 500 people in the UK every year.

SADS usually happens when an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia, goes untreated and leads to a cardiac arrest. An arrhythmia usually causes the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. It is usually caused by a heart condition that affects the heart’s electrical system.

Sometimes, the heart condition that causes the arrhythmia can be inherited. Inherited heart conditions are often the cause of SADS if they are left undetected and untreated.

Money raised from the afternoon tea will go towards providing heart screening for youngsters in the local area.

The next event, paid for by Andrew’s Memorial Fund, will see hundreds of 14 to 35-year-olds screened for heart abnormalities at Longridge High School on April 27 and 28. Places are fully booked but visit www.testmyheart.org.uk for future dates.