20 Years Of The Heart Of London Bridges Walk – And Trinity Has Been There Every Step Of The Way

On Sunday 28 June, around 1200 people walked a distance of 10k through the cobbled streets of London and along the banks of the River Thames, in memory of the thousands of young people who’ve lost their lives due to a hidden heart condition.

And, a team from Trinity was once again in attendance, meeting and greeting supporters of the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and carefully & sensitively listening to families tell their stories about what had brought them to this poignant event.

2026 marked the 20^th anniversary of CRY’s Heart of London Bridges Walk – and we’re truly honoured and humbled to have been invited to manage the event Press Office every year for the past two decades.

Over £1m has been raised to date through this event alone – and 99,506.5 miles walked in memory of those who have died, and in support of those living with a heart condition.

Our two Founding Directors, Caroline Beswick and Jo Hudson (pictured) worked alongside CRY’s incredible events and fundraising team (and a brilliant band of volunteers) at the starting post in Southwark Park. Following three very powerful speeches and an emotional “Minute’s Silence”, we watched as the walkers of all ages (many prams and puppies too!) set off on their circular route, returning later to Southwark Park for the annual supporter’s picnic.

Year on year, we’ve witnessed first-hand how the CRY Bridges Walk serves as a reminder of what lies at the heart of  this campaigning charity – an unwavering mission to prevent the tragedy of young sudden cardiac deaths (YSCD) through screening, research and awareness – as well as continuing to provide a unique bereavement  support programme for those affected by YSCD and a safe and welcoming space to come together annually, to “connect and remember” with others who’ve been through the same, devastating grief.

Awareness is key to CRY’s success – and the bravery of bereaved families and individuals who agree to share their own stories, knows no bounds. And that’s why it’s always such a huge honour for us to spend this special day, every year, doing all we can to help the ‘CRY Community’ shine a light on CRY’s work, through placing meaningful media coverage, in memory of their loved one.

Every week in the UK, 12 young (aged 35 and under) young people die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80% of cases of YSCD there will have been no signs or symptoms, which is why CRY believes proactive cardiac screening is so vitally important. To date, CRY has screened over 360,000 young people – at no cost to the individual. And, one in every 300 of the young people tested by CRY will be identified with a potentially life-threatening condition.

Screening saves lives and CRY wants every young person aged 14-35 to have the opportunity to have their heart tested.

This year also marks the latest review into cardiac screening people for young people. The UK’s National Screening Committee has recently opened a 3-month public consultation to help inform its decision (due in early 2027) and CRY, as a key stakeholder, is working hard to develop a compelling submission backed by robust, published research to clearly set out the argument for nationwide access to cardiac testing. Again, we’re with you every step of the way….

For more information or to book an appointment / register interest, go to: www.testyheart.org.uk