Free Heart Screening Event in Sully Honors Memory of Kory Russell
A special free heart screening event for young people aged 16-26 will take place in Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, in loving memory of Kory Russell, a local man who tragically died aged 25 while competing in The Royal Parks Half Marathon in October 2025.
Event Details and Community Impact
The event, scheduled for Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, is being delivered by Calon Hearts, the Welsh heart charity dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac deaths in young people through community defibrillators, CPR training, and access to life-saving heart checks.
Kory grew up in Sully and remained deeply connected to the village throughout his life. Known for his kindness, determination, and love of sport, his sudden passing deeply affected the community and everyone who knew him.
His family has been committed to ensuring that something positive emerges from their loss. The screening event at Sully Sports and Social Club on South Road takes place just a few weeks after Kory’s birthday, making it especially meaningful for his family, friends, and the wider Sully community.
Raising Awareness and Encouraging Early Testing
This event marks the beginning of a series of activities the family hopes will raise awareness of hidden heart conditions and encourage more young people to access early testing. They also hope it will spark important conversations about heart health in schools, sports clubs, and families in the Vale of Glamorgan and across Wales.
Rhi and Matt Russell, Kory’s parents, said, “Kory was loved beyond words and losing him so suddenly has changed our lives forever. We want something positive to come from our heartbreak, and offering these screenings in his home village feels like the right way to honour him. If even one young person is protected because of this event, then Kory’s legacy will be helping others, just as he always did.”
Importance of Screening for Hidden Heart Conditions
Sudden cardiac death in young people is often caused by underlying heart conditions that show no symptoms. A simple ECG can detect many of these conditions early, allowing for treatment, monitoring, or lifestyle adjustments that significantly reduce risk.
Sharon Owens, Director of Calon Hearts, said, “Every week in the UK, 12 seemingly healthy young people die from an undiagnosed heart condition. Screening saves lives, and we are honoured to work with Kory’s family to bring this vital service to Sully. Their courage in turning loss into action will help protect young people across the community. Early detection truly matters and we urge every family with a young person aged 16-26 to book a place. Coming along could be life-changing.”
Calon Hearts' Campaign and Booking Information
Calon Hearts has long campaigned for routine heart screening for young people in Wales, particularly those who are active in sport. The screening is free, but places must be booked in advance. Each appointment includes a painless, non-invasive ECG carried out by trained cardiac physiologists, with onward referral if any abnormalities are detected.
Calon Hearts is encouraging families, sports clubs, schools, and youth groups to share the opportunity widely so that as many young people as possible can benefit.
To book a place at the memorial screening event, please ring 02922 402670 or visit the Calon Hearts website for more details.
