Alicia Kearns MP Raises Rutlander Andrew Osborne's Solo Row Across the Atlantic at PMQs

Today (29th March) Alicia Kearns MP raised Andrew Osborne's solo row across the Atlantic Ocean at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs). Alicia asked the Deputy Prime Minister what the Government is doing to increase the detection of undiagnosed heart conditions in children and young people across the UK.

Andrew Osborne set off on 8 January 2023 to row over 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean solo and unsupported to raise money after the loss of his youngest daughter Amy. On 27th March 2023 Andrew completed his row in 78 days and 10 hours.

Amy died in her sleep five years ago at the age of 25 from an undiagnosed heart condition. Amy's family set up Amy's Memorial Fund at the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to fund the testing of people aged 14 to 25 for undiagnosed heart conditions.

Twelve healthy children and fit young adults die each week in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions, but 80% don't experience any symptoms. 

Andrew has so far raised nearly £150,000 for the charity CRY and this money will be ring-fenced for testing pupils in schools across Rutland and Leicestershire for undiagnosed heart conditions. 

 Find out more here.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton said:"Andrew Osborne's solo row across the Atlantic is an incredible feat, and he has raised an outstanding amount of money for such a wonderful cause in memory of Amy.

"We must do more to raise awareness of young sudden cardiac death and the importance of screening children and young people to ensure no family has to go through the heartbreak of losing a much-loved child like Amy. 

"I'm so grateful to Andrew for the money he's raised to save lives across Rutland and Leicestershire.

"I am pleased to have secured a commitment from the Deputy Prime Minister to meet with Ministers at the Department of Health to discuss what further Government action can be taken."

 Watch Alicia's question to the Deputy Prime Minister here: