Cardiff Blues stars and supporters will be turning their hands to baking this December to support CRY's Great Cake Bake, which aims to help raise awareness and funds for CRY. All money raised will fund vital research and support services.

Speaking ahead of the event Cardiff Blues fullback Chris Czekaj said,

"CRY's Great Cake Bake is a fun way for supporters and players to get involved and raise awareness for a very good cause."

"It's a great idea and all players are looking forward to testing their skills in the kitchen."

"I'm quietly confident that my cake will be brilliant but I'm sure there will be a few disasters also."

Chief Executive and Founder of CRY, Alison Cox MBE says;

"Over the last 17 years, thousands of people of all ages have given up their time and energy to help raise funds for CRY.

"But, not everyone wants to run a marathon or jump out of a plane for us and we really hope this latest campaign will allow everyone of all ages to join in and play a part in supporting CRY!

"We're delighted that the Cardiff Blues have chosen to support CRY and their efforts have already helped us to raise even greater awareness in South Wales of young sudden cardiac death.

"We really hope their Cake Bake is a huge success and I would like to thank everyone from the Club and local area for their ongoing commitment."

An exciting goody bag has been compiled with helpful recipes and other useful hints and tips. To take part and receive our Great Cake Bake pack or for more information, please contact Ben at the CRY office via email ben@c-r-y.org.uk or call 01737 363222.

CRY was founded in May 1995 to raise awareness of Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS). As well as campaigning and lobbying and the provision of its subsidised cardiac screening programme for young people (35 and under), the charity also provides counselling and support to bereaved families and individuals who may be diagnosed.

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is an umbrella term for a number of different heart conditions that affect fit and healthy young people which, if not treated, can result in a tragedy. In about one in 20 cases of sudden cardiac death, no recognised cause can be found - even after post-mortem. This is then called Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS). Many experts are now claiming that the actual number of deaths recorded could just be 'the tip of the iceberg' with many causes being wrongly recorded as asthma, epilepsy or even drowning.

CRY's screening programme based on a 10 minute ECG and follow-up echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) if required, has been developed under consultant cardiologist Professor Sanjay Sharma an international expert in young sudden cardiac death.

CRY has found that 1 in 300 young people carry a potentially fatal heart condition. CRY ECG tests save lives. 12 healthy young people die each week in the UK from these sinister undiagnosed' heart conditions that are usually inherited.

CRY urges young people between the ages of 14 and 35 to register on-line for their screening programme, particularly if they are regularly taking part in sport. The screening programmes take place at a number of locations across the UK, including the University of Glamorgan.

Cardiff Blues try to support many charities both locally and nationally through fundraising at matches and support with PR campaigns. The team chose CRY because of a close link with the Cardiff Blues Marketing team.

For further information on CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) please visit www.c-r-y.org.uk/