The heartbroken mother of a young advertising executive who died suddenly last year urged parents to get their children screened for Sudden Adult Death Syndrome if there is a family history of cardiac illness.
Margherita Cummins’ world was smashed on July 1 last year when her daughter Catherine Keane passed away in her sleep aged just 31.
She said: “She was living with two friends in Rathmines in Dublin and they were all working from home so no-one really paid attention when she didn’t come down for breakfast.
“They sent her a text at 11.20am and when she didn’t reply, they checked her room and found she had passed. Her friend heard a noise in her room at 3.56am and believes now that is when she died.
“Catherine and I were so close because it was just us for so long before I met my husband Fergal and had Sean and Naoise. She was such a character.
“She worked for an advertising company and was doing really well. She went to the gym and walked 10,000 steps every day.
“She used to ring me while out for a walk and just chat away for the duration. She was such great craic and quick witted and was really good for getting people together.
“Every day I wake up and think: Oh God, here we go again. It’s a struggle. I try and look at something positive to get me through but there are so many reminders everywhere.
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“I take some comfort in that she went in her sleep and knew no pain and I’m grateful for that. I always worried about the kids driving in the car but never saw this coming. I never thought I’d ever lose a child in my life.”
Margherita and her family are holding a 5km walk near their home in Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Co Meath on July 2 to remember Catherine on her anniversary and also to raise money for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).
She said: “We found CRY by accident but they have been incredible to us so we would like to give something back.” Jockey Barry Geraghty will start the event, and details for A Walk for Cat can be found at Eventbrite.
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