The
Cardiomyopathy
Association

Lou Wood, an adminstrative assistant, and Margaret Hannah, a retired nurse, are holding the first meeting of the Cumbria and The Borders Cardiomyopathy Support Group on Monday, July 21st, 7.30pm at The Hub, Elim Community Church, 14 Spencer Street, Carlisle.

Lou, a mother of three, and Margaret, a mother two, both have dilated cardiomyopathy, but the group will be for people affected by all types of cardiomyopathy.

Lou was diagnosed ten years ago and her daughter Esme six years ago. One of her sons, Brendan, died of the disease three years ago aged 22 while waiting for a heart transplant. Her other son Joshua, 21, is not affected and gene testing in 2005 showed he had not inherited the gene mutation causing the problem in the family.

Margaret was diagnosed three years ago and has been well since having drug treatment and a biventricular pacemaker that helps her heart beat more regularly and in a co-ordinated fashion.

Lou, who is also one of the charity's network of volunteers who offer support on the telephone, said: "When I was first diagnosed I was desperate to find out more about the disease. My GP knew very little about it at the time but the CMA has been very supportive of me and my GP.

"I soon realised the importance of raising awareness of the condition and providing support to others who are affected."

Margaret said: "Both Lou and I felt there was a need for such a group in the region as the nearest other groups are in Morecambe and Glasgow. Since retiring in February I have had time to get involved.

"We want the group to give those affected a chance to find out more about the condition, treatments, research and lifestyle issues but also meet others who are affected and share experiences."

The new group has the backing of the CMA and the main speaker at the first meeting will be the CMA chief executive Robert Hall who will talk about the different types of cardiomyopathy, latest treatments and the work of the charity.

Robert said: "We are very grateful that Lou and Margaret are starting a group in the area and we will be doing all we can to help them with it. We have many support groups around the UK and those who attend find them very beneficial."

For more information about the new group, contact Sarah Dennis at the CMA on freephone 0800 0181 024 or email sarah.dennis@cardiomyopathy.org